Cabinet Draft AONB Management Plan 2021-26 14 April 2021 DRAFT MINISTERIAL FOREWORD I am fortunate that England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are part of my Ministerial responsibilities. Whether it be rolling hills, sweeping coastline or a tranquil village, spending time in an AONB can stir the heart and lift the spirit.

This is a pivotal moment for all AONBs. The Government has set its ambition in the 25 Year Environment Plan which states clearly the importance of natural beauty as part of our green future, while AONBs retain the highest status of protection for landscape through national planning policy. Leaving the EU brings with it an opportunity to develop a better system for supporting our farmers and land managers, who play such a vital role as stewards of the landscape. The Government welcomes the Review of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty led by Julian Glover - the first of its kind for generations - to ensure our designated landscapes can flourish in the years ahead.

In my visits to AONBs around the country, I have been struck by the passion of many people - farmers, volunteers, and hard-working staff - for the beautiful places they live and work. In this spirit I am delighted to welcome publication of this Statutory Management Plan for The Kent Downs AONB. It is significant that this plan will be delivered in partnership by those who value the Kent Downs. I would like to thank all those involved in preparation of this document, and wish you the best of success in bringing it to fruition. DRAFT

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Introduction

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them. AONBs represent only 18% of the land area of England and Wales. In this small proportion of the country it is the landscape that must come first. The Kent Downs is home to some of the most enchanting landscapes of southern Britain. Put simply, the purpose of this Management Plan is to set out the strategy to conserve and enhance the landscape and to bring forward the wider benefits to society that this work brings including supporting the sustainable development goals and enhancing health, well-being and creating the simple joy that beautiful landscapes can provide. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership has worked closely with many individuals and organisation to prepare and produce this revision of the Management Plan for this special place. We are grateful to the many people who have been involved in developing this Plan. The Management Plan provides the strategic framework energy, direction and commitment for the future of the landscape and through the previous versions of the Plan, much has been achieved. Indeed the Kent Downs AONB partnership is recognised nationally as one of the most effective at securing resources to support the management of this fine landscape. At the same time the pressures on this particular landscape have grown once again, Kent is facing unprecedented levels of development and change including the challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises. Our response to this greater pressure and to the difficult financial environment is not to retreat to seeking merely to protect the Kent Downs; instead, this Plan is more ambitious for the landscape and seeks wider, stronger and more collaborative and inclusive partnerships to meet its positive objectives. The ultimate goal of the Management Plan remains to ensure that the natural beauty of the landscape and vitality of the communities in and around the Kent Downs AONB are recognised, valued and strengthened well into the future. We seek to do this in a way which enhances health and well-being, is inclusive and engaging and supports much needed sustainable growth and development especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We encourage you to take part, to work with us to conserve and enhance this most beautiful and most threatened landscape.

Chris Reynolds Nick Johannsen Chairman DRAFT Director

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1. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Contents Summary of changes ...... 2 1 Overview ...... 2 1.1 A vision for the Kent Downs AONB in 2030...... 3 1.2 The special components, characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB ...... 3 Dramatic landform and views; a distinctive landscape character ...... 4 Biodiversity-rich habitats ...... 4 Farmed landscape ...... 4 Woodland and trees ...... con4 A rich legacy of historic and cultural heritage ...... 5 The Heritage Coasts ...... 5 Geology and natural resources ...... 5 Tranquillity and remoteness ...... 6 2 Quality of life in the Kent Downs ...... 6 Vibrant communities ...... 6 Access, enjoyment and understanding ...... 6

Overview

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that they are safeguarded in the national interest. The Kent Downs is recognised nationally and internationally for its quality and character. This is a landscape of drama and intimacy; there is diversity and contrast withinDRAFT the AONB; there are ancient places as well as the bright white of a new cliff fall, the quiet of a woodland walk, dramatic hills and tranquil valleys, birdsong, breath- taking views, dazzling wild flowers, stars at night and the crashing of waves. The landscapes of the Downs have been shaped by the combination of nature and human hands, creating a place that has inspired art and science; retains remarkable historic

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places and patterns, internationally valued nature and is much valued by people. This is a distinctive, national landscape of outstanding quality and value.

1.1 A vision for the Kent Downs AONB in 2041

The first AONB Management Plan agreed a 20-year vision; while this 2004 vision remains fundamentally unchanged the context has changed markedly, with unprecedented growth predicted in Kent by the Kent Growth and Infrastructure Framework, adding around 25% to the population by 2031, just 10 years. The decline in biodiversity and impact of climate change which has been declared or recognised as an emergency by Parliament and most of the AONB partnership and there is a consensus that radical change is required by 2030 if we are to address these emergencies. The policy context that the AONB partnership is operating in is rapidly moving and in the light of this – while the partnership remains far sighted and ambitious for the AONB, with a long term overall vision for the landscape each section of the plan is re-focused order to spur impact and the achievement of the aims and principles of the plan in a 10 year period.

Our vision for the Kent Downs

In 2041… the qualities and distinctive features of the Kent Downs AONB, the dramatic south-facing scarp, far-reaching views, secluded dry valleys, network of tiny lanes, isolated farmsteads, churches and oasts, orchards, dramatic cliffs, the ancient woodlands and delicate chalk grassland along with the ancient, remote and tranquil qualities, are valued, secured and strengthened.

The Kent Downs has become a landscape where change supports the AONB’s distinctive and valued features. Nature recovery, responses to development pressures and climate change have enhanced the Kent Downs landscape. The Kent Downs is greener, healthier, wilder and more beautiful, it is recognised and valued, enjoyed and cherished and its future conservation and enhancement is a certainty.

Strong, assertive leadership from the AONB partnership along with positive partnerships with organisations, civil society, local people and land managers act together with wider publics to recover, conserve, enhance, enjoy and promote a nationally and internationally recognised and valued landscape.

1.2 The special components, characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB

The rich landscape of the Kent Downs AONB, is made up of landscape components with special characteristics and qualities which together distinguish it as a landscape of national and international importance and underpin its significance and natural beauty. Often the setting of the Kent Downs has great value and was a principle reason for the Kent Downs AONB designation. The identified components, characteristics and qualities are consistentlyDRAFT recognised and valued by the public, individuals, institutions, organisations and experts alike; the Covid-19 pandemic brought a new spotlight on the importance of contact with nature and beauty and places the National Landscapes in a key position for societal and economic recovery.

The landscape components of Kent Downs have been identified as:

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Dramatic landform and views; a distinctive landscape character The Kent Downs dramatic and diverse topography is based on the underlying geology. Key features comprise impressive south-facing steep slopes (scarps) of chalk and greensand; scalloped and hidden dry valleys, especially valued where they have a downland character; expansive plateaux; broad, steep-sided river valleys, and the dramatic, wild and iconic white cliffs and foreshore.

Breath-taking, long-distance panoramas are offered, often across open countryside, estuaries and the sea from the scarp, cliffs and plateaux. The dip slope dry valleys and river valleys provide more intimate and enclosed vistas.

The character of the Kent Downs is much valued; it arises from a distinctive, recognisable and pattern of elements in the landscape that make the Kent Downs particular and special as well as significant nationally and internationally.

Biodiversity-rich habitats The unique landscapes of the Kent Downs create and contain a rich and distinctive biodiversity of local and often national or international importance. This landscape provides a home to several species that are largely or wholly confined to the Kent Downs in Britain.

Habitats found in the Kent Downs include chalk grassland and chalk scrub; woodlands (ancient woodland, veteran trees and wood pasture), traditional orchards and cobnut platts, chalk cliffs and the foreshore, chalk streams and wet pasture, ponds and spring lines; heath and acid grassland. Hedgerows and trees outside woodlands are key features of the landscape and serve an important wildlife function along with networks of linear features of shaws, flower-rich field margins and road verges.

The wildlife of the farmed landscape is special in the Kent Downs. Many key habitats are farmed and the Downs support some of the most important arable weed communities in Britain.

Farmed landscape A long-established tradition of mixed farming has helped create and maintain the natural beauty of the Kent Downs. The pastoral scenery is a particularly valued part of the landscape. Farming covers around 64% of the AONB. Disconnected ‘ribbons’ of permanent grassland (shaves) are found along the steep scarp, valley sides, and on less- productive land having been created by grazing. Locally concentrated areas of orchards, cobnut plats (nut orchards), hop gardens other horticultural production are also present, their regular striate form can enhance the rise and fall of the land, increasingly widespread vineyards add to this ordered character.

Woodland and trees The Kent Downs is one of Britain’s most wooded landscapes. Broadleaf and mixed woodland coverDRAFT around 23% of the Kent Downs and frame the upper slopes of the scarp, dry valleys and plateaux tops. Almost 70% of the woodlands are ancient woodland meaning they have been continuously present at least since at least 1600; they support nationally important woodland plant and animal species. Large areas of sweet chestnut coppice are present throughout the Downs. Woodland is a much-valued component of the landscape, the sights, changing colours, smells and sounds adding to the perceptual qualities of the landscape.

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Individual, hedgerow, fine and ancient trees outside woodlands are a most important, characteristic and sometimes dramatic element of the landscape.

A rich legacy of historic and cultural heritage Millennia of human activity have created an outstanding cultural inheritance and strong ‘time depth’ to the Kent Downs. In the original designation the characteristic villages, churches and castles are particularly noted and the historic settlement pattern remains an important distinctive component of the AONB. There are the remains of Neolithic megalithic monuments, Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill-forts, Roman villas, roads and towns, medieval villages and hamlets focused on their churches, post-medieval stately homes with their parks and gardens and historic defence structures from Norman times to the twentieth century.

Fields of varying shapes and sizes and ancient wood-banks and hedges, set within networks of droveways and sunken lanes have produced a rich historic mosaic, which is the rural landscape of today. Architectural distinctiveness is ever present in the scattered villages and farmsteads and oast houses, barns and other characteristic agricultural buildings, farmsteads, churches and historic country houses. The diverse range of local materials used, which includes flint, chalk, ragstone, timber, brick and peg tile, contributes to the character, colour, tone and texture of the countryside.

The AONB landscape has long been an inspiration to artists, scientists and leaders, from Shakespeare to Samuel Palmer, Darwin to Churchill and Turner to Moore; it was Toys Hill, in the Kent Downs, ‘that inspired Octavia Hill to found the National Trust’. Today contemporary and more diverse publics are drawing their own inspiration from this extraordinary place. The inspiration that the landscape of the Kent Downs offers is not confined to the influential and famous, we know that a wide variety of people greatly value this place for many of the same reasons.

The Heritage Coasts The Heritage Coasts either side of Dover, include the shoreline, marine flora and fauna cliffs, heritage features and adjacent downland. The White Cliffs form part of our national identity and display internationally important geological exposures, they form a soaring land and seascape of vast horizons of sea and sky extending westwards to the subtle crumbling Greensand and Clay cliffs of Folkestone.

The wildlife of the Heritage Coasts is internationally important, the clifftops consisting of nationally important chalk grassland and scrub, the cliff-faces supporting important breeding sea bird colonies including Fulmars, Rock Pipits, Lesser-black backed Gulls and the only Kent population of Kittiwakes. Seabirds wheeling high in the sky connect the sea and sky.

Geology and natural resources The imposing landform and special characteristics of the Kent Downs is underpinned by its geology.DRAFT This is also the basis for the considerable natural capital and natural resources which benefit society. These include the soils which support an important farming sector and can sequester carbon; soil represent and is important biodiversity resource in its own right. The water and the water resources which support rivers teeming with wildlife and offering enchanting landscapes. Hidden below the chalk is a significant aquifer providing 75% of Kent’s drinking water and feeding the much-valued chalk

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streams of the Downs. Fresh, clean air is experienced across the AONB and the vegetation patterns of the Downs are effective at removing air pollution.

Tranquillity and remoteness Much of the AONB provides surprisingly tranquil and remote countryside – offering dark night skies, space, beauty and peace. Simply seeing a natural landscape, hearing birdsong, seeing and hearing the sea, watching stars at night or ‘bathing’ in woodland are important perceptual qualities of the AONB.

2. Quality of life in the Kent Downs

While not defined as characteristics and qualities of the landscape, the social and economic components of the Kent Downs are vital to the communities of Kent, the Kent Downs and beyond and key to its future conservation and enhancement.

Vibrant communities The Kent Downs is a living, working landscape shaped and managed by people. The most up to date population estimate as shows a total population of 96,000. While changing in nature, many of the Kent Downs communities are strong and vibrant, assertively seeking to conserve and enhance the place that they live in. Surrounding the AONB are large, rapidly growing and increasingly diverse urban communities, the Kent Downs offer a greatly valued landscape of peace, beauty and space to breath.

Access, enjoyment and understanding The Kent Downs is an easily accessible and charming landscape well provided with access opportunities; well over 1 million people live within a kilometre of the AONB boundary. There is considerable demand for access and recreation in the Kent Downs and providing this in a way which supports the special characteristics and qualities of the AONB is an increasingly important but challenging task; many site managers are reporting ‘over-visiting’ with sites being at and beyond their capacity on many occasions.

The AONB provides a public rights of way network four times as dense as the national average and there is a high relative density of bridleways and byways. Active user groups help to promote the sustainable management and use of the AONB for quiet countryside recreation.

Access to the Kent Downs AONB particularly through walking, cycling and riding provide demonstrable benefits to health and well-being at the same time visiting can support the local economy and services.

Improving the understanding and enjoyment of the AONB is an important task, without this the landscape may not be fully recognised, valued or enjoyed and its future conservationDRAFT and enhancement may not be assured.

Public Perception of the Kent Downs In the preparation of the 2004 Management Plan and its subsequent reviews, comments and engagement have been sought from many participants including local authorities, stakeholders, local residents and visitors to the AONB. A key issue was to confirm what is

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most valued about the Kent Downs and what are the most important related issues and priorities in the view of respondents. The main consultation method used for the 2004 plan was a written questionnaire in the Kent Downs newspaper, The Orchid. Respondents could also complete an online questionnaire.

For this 2019/20 review the AONB Unit used the ‘Head for the Hills’ 50th anniversary celebrations of the Kent Downs AONB to reach a wider audience. Nearly 1000 individuals and organisations participated and, as in previous consultations, the special characteristics and qualities that formed the basis of the original AONB designation are still those most valued by people today.

Nb in final printed version this table will be presented in order of importance as per 2019 survey

Most important components of natural beauty in the Kent Downs AONB 2003 2008 2013 2019 Chalk Downland 59% 74% 71% 70% Woodland 52% 43% 41% 48% Landform & Geology 45% 41% 34% 34% Ancient Lanes and Paths 33% 47% 40% 45% Orchards/Cobnut Platts 21% 17% 14% 12% River Valleys 20% 21% 19% 13% Hedgerows 20% 19% 18% 15% Historic Settlements 17% 25% 24% 23% Mixed Farmland 14% 17% 12% 14% Dry Valleys 7% 7% 8% 11% Historic Parklands 6% 9% 7% 9%

Most valued features of the Kent Downs AONB 2003 2008 2013 2019 Scenery and Views 86% 83% 79% 74% Wildlife 49% 48% 39% 58% Peace and Quiet 46% 49% 39% 45% Outdoor Recreation 33% 10% 12% 16% Villages and Village Life 32% 32% 29% 21% Historic Buildings 24% 17% 14% 13% Dark Skies n/a 6% 7% 12% Amenities 10% 8% 7% 4% Available Local Produce 7% 8% 5% 6% Visitor Attractions n/a n/a 7% 4% PROW Network n/a 41% 45% 47% Locally Distinct Highways n/a 1% 3% 2% DRAFT Priorities for Action

Prevention of Illegal Activities 56% 77% 71% 62% Conserving Wildlife 54% 63% 59% 69% Conserving Views and Scenic Beauty 50% 55% 56% 53%

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Conserving Tranquillity 38% 36% 43% 59% Preventing Loss of Historic Buildings 8% 22% 20% 22% Management of Equine Land Use n/a 8% 5% 4% Information about Access to Countryside 2% 10% 15% 8% Information on Features of AONB Landscape 12% 8% 2% 7% More organised events 9% 6% 8% 5% Research and Response to Climate Change n/a 12% 7% 12% Access n/a n/a 4% n/a

Action Needed to Improve Enjoyment of AONB

Encourage farmers to use more environmentally friendly techniques 45% 39% 44% 52% Improve Sustainable Transport 23% 39% 38% 32% Ensure Peace and Quiet 29% 64% 50% 50% Greater Emphasis on Development Control 27% 34% 43% 39% Getting Out and About 23% 14% 13% 15% Better Information on Wildlife in Area 22% 9% 10% 13% More Information on Where to Go in AONB 20% 17% 21% 17% Improve or Increase Visitor Facilities 16% 17% 15% 12% More Information on Local Produce 11% 11% 12% 9% Highways Management that respects sensitivity of AONB n/a 23% 22% 27% Control of Light Pollution to Protect Dark Night Skies n/a 19% 18% 26%

Figure 1.1 ‘Have Your Say’ Survey Results 2003-2019

In addition to the AONB Survey, the Kent Downs AONB partnership participates in the Kent Environment Strategy Public Perception Survey (2018) which demonstrates that 97% of Kent respondents felt that the countryside was either important or very important to them with over 80% using the countryside at least once a fortnight; for many people walking, benefits to their children, loving nature were important motivators, the most important elements of the Kent countryside were woodlands, rivers and lakes, undeveloped coast, low lying hills and wildflower grasslands, all important components of the Kent Downs AONB.

DRAFT

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2. The Management of the Kent Downs AONB

Contents Summary of changes ...... 8 1. Our vision ...... 9 2.1 The Kent Downs in context ...... 9 2.1.1 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ...... 9 2.1.2 International recognition ...... 10 2.1.3 National legislation ...... 11 2.1.4 The Kent Downs AONB ...... 12 2.1.5 Definition of natural beauty and landscape ...... 13 2.2 Management planning for AONBs ...... 14 2.2.1 The role of this management plan revision...... 14 2.2.2 The status and role of management plan principles ...... 15 2.2.3 A Duty of Regard ...... 15 2.2.4 Who is the plan for? ...... 15 3. The role of the Kent Downs AONB partnership ...... 16 4 The management of the Kent Downs AONB – issues opportunities and threats ...... 18 5 The management of the Kent Downs AONB - aims ...... 18 6 The management of the Kent Downs AONB - principles ...... 19 DRAFT

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Our vision for the management of the Kent Downs AONB

In 2031… the Kent Downs AONB is widely recognised and greatly valued. It is a landscape cherished and held in the highest esteem by those who visit, live and work there and nearby as well as by those who influence its future. Residents and visitors know where the AONB is and they understand its character and qualities and support and help deliver the purposes of its designation. The Kent Downs AONB partnership is acknowledged, supported, funded and equipped to be the main and an influential and effective advocate, convenor and champion for the AONB. A diverse range of individuals and organisations are delivering positive action on the ground and are collaboratively engaged in the partnership and management planning. The AONB partnership is engaging and open about the conservation and management of the AONB.

2.1 The Kent Downs in context

2.1.1 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland cover approximately 1/8th of the land surface. In England 33 AONBs amount to 15% of the total land area. They vary greatly in landscape character and size ranging from the smallest, the Isles of Scilly (16sq. km) to the largest, the Cotswolds (2,038 sq. km). In Kent, the High Weald and Kent Downs AONB cover around a third of the county’s land area.

The distinctive character and natural beauty of AONBs make them some of the most special and cherished places in Britain. AONBs are living, working landscapes that contribute some £16bn every year to the national economy. Although home to less than half a million people (under 2% of England’s population), over two thirds of England’s population live within half an hour’s drive of an AONB and at least170 million people visit English AONBs every year, spending in excess of £2bn.

Together with National Parks, AONBs represent our most outstanding landscapes; unique and irreplaceable national assets, each with such distinctive character and natural beauty that they are recognised internationally as part of the global protected areas family to be managed in the interest of everyone – local residents, businesses, visitors, and the wider public - and protectedDRAFT for future generations.

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Figure 2.1 National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England 2.1.2 InternationalDRAFT recognition Areas of Outstanding National Beauty are recognised and classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Along with National Parks and Heritage Coasts the AONBs in England and Wales fall into Category V – Protected Landscapes/ Seascapes. These are defined as a ‘protected area where the interaction of people and nature over time

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has produced an area of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value: and where safeguarding the integrity of this interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and its associated nature conservation and other values.’ The IUCN primary objective for Category V Protected Landscapes is ‘to protect and sustain important landscapes/seascapes and the associated nature conservation and other values created by interactions with humans through traditional management practices.’

Until recently, the AONB designation was regarded (together with that of UK National Parks) as an anomaly in the international protected area system which prioritised ‘naturalness’ as a criterion of value. In the last quarter-century, however they have come to be recognised, particularly within Europe, as leaders in the move towards area-based sustainable development. AONBs, in particular, as ‘working’ landscapes, lead the way in pioneering new approaches to integrated countryside management based on voluntary partnerships engaging and working with local communities to secure common goals.

2.1.3 National legislation

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 legislated for the designation of AONBs and National Parks. Their purpose was to be similar – to conserve and enhance natural beauty. The Countryside Commission further defined the purpose of AONB designation in a statement of 1991.

Purpose of AONB designation…

‘...is primarily to conserve and enhance natural beauty’.

‘In pursuing the primary purpose of designation, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, and other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. Particular regard should be paid to promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment”.

‘Recreation is not an objective of designation but the demand for recreation should be met so far as this is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.’

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A policy statement (Countryside Commission, CCP 356, 1991, p. 5).

Various Acts progressively strengthened the legal framework for AONBs; the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, revised and partially replaced the AONB provisions of the 1949 Act, including a requirement that a management plan be prepared for each AONB and reaffirms the primary purpose (Section 82). In the case of the Kent Downs AONB (and others covered by more than one local authority), the management plan must be prepared by the local authorities acting jointly, it is the AONB Unit which takes forward this work with and for the Local Authorities.DRAFT

Four common national aims unite AONBs partnerships and management plans:

• Conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the UK’s AONBs ensuring they meet the challenges of the future.

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• Support the economic and social well-being of local communities in ways which contribute to the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty.

• Promote public understanding and enjoyment of AONB landscapes and encourage people to conserve and enhance them.

• Value, sustain and promote the benefits that AONBs provide for society including clean air and water, food and carbon storage.

2.1.4 The Kent Downs AONB

The Kent Downs AONB is a nationally important landscape and one of the most enchanting parts of southern England. The AONB was designated in July 1968; it covers 878sq.km (326 sq. miles) stretching from the Surrey/Greater London border to the Strait of Dover. Aside from a small area within the London Borough of Bromley, the AONB lies wholly within the county of Kent and covers around 23% of the total land area of the county. It rises to an altitude of 250m above sea level at its highest point at Toy’s Hill south of Sevenoaks, and is crossed in three places by the river valleys of the Darent, the Medway and the Stour, all flowing northwards.

The Kent Downs are the eastern half of the North Downs ridge of chalk stretching from Farnham in Surrey to the English Channel. The western half of the chalk ridge lies within the Surrey Hills AONB, which adjoins the Kent Downs. The same ridge of chalk reappears on the French side of the Channel, where it lies within the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. In Kent, the North Downs, along with part of the Greensand Ridge and Lympne Escarpment form the Kent Downs AONB.

The Kent Downs is the eighth largest AONB in England and Wales, and administratively one of the most complex falling within twelve local authorities and lying partly or wholly within 137 parish council boundaries.

When the Kent Downs were confirmed as an AONB, the overall remarks of the designation committee were summarised as:

“The scarp slope and dry valleys of the Kent Downs are the main target for designation, particularly where they retain a downland character, that woodlands are highly valued throughout the designated area and particularly on the scarp slope and dry valley sides, and that other qualities of note are views from the escarpment, pastoral scenery, parklands, villages, churches and castles.”

The boundary of the Kent Downs AONB was drawn over 50 years ago, over time a variety of requests to extend the boundary have been submitted but the view of the Joint Advisory Committee hasDRAFT been to hold off from formally promoting boundary reviews until the process for extension has been simplified, despite the merits of extension (the body currently responsible for designation and boundary reviews is Natural England). Simplifying boundary extensions is a recommendation of the Government’s Landscape Review which might create the opportunity to extend the AONB in the future (the Review also recommends a new National Landscape Service which would take responsibility for the designation process) .

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Figure 2.2 Kent Downs AONB Boundary

2.1.5 Definition of natural beauty and landscape

The term ‘natural beauty’ remains at the heart of the purpose of AONB designation. Part IV of the 2000 Act provides the following definition of natural beauty:

“Any reference in this Part to the conservation of the natural beauty of an area includes a reference to the conservation of its flora, fauna, geological and physiographical features”. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, section 92.

The term ‘natural beauty’ was always intended to embrace more than just the visual or scenic elements of the landscape and the definition has been updated and broadened to include historic and cultural heritage. Government agency guidance specifically on AONBs provides a useful non-technical definition:

“Natural beauty is not just the look of the landscape, but includes landform and geology, plants and animals, landscape features and the rich history of human settlement over the centuries.” (Areas of OutstandingDRAFT Natural Beauty: A guide for AONB partnership members – Countryside Agency, CA24, November 2001)

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (NERC): Section 99 formally clarifies in law that the fact that an area consists of or includes land used for agriculture or woodlands, or as a park, or ‘any other area whose flora, fauna or physiographical features

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are partly the product of human intervention in the landscape’ does not prevent it from being treated, for legal purposes ‘as being an area of natural beauty (or of outstanding natural beauty).’

At the core of the secondary purpose of AONB designation is the understanding that the landscape is not just scenery, but it is the result of the historic and on-going interaction between people and place. Social and economic activity that contributes to the landscape and natural beauty is fundamental to shaping the future of the AONB.

The important link between people and place is emphasised in the European Landscape Convention (Council of Europe) where landscape is defined as “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors”. The convention, ratified by the UK in 2006, also recognises that “the landscape is an important part of the quality of life for people everywhere; in urban areas and in the countryside, in degraded areas as well as in areas of high quality, in areas recognised as being of outstanding beauty as well as everyday areas”.

2.2 Management planning for AONBs In recognition of the national and international importance of AONB landscapes the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required relevant Local Authorities to jointly prepare, publish and subsequently review a Management Plan. It is required that the Plan (as a whole) formulates their policy for the management of the AONB and for carrying out their functions in relation to it. The Management Plan is essentially about conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB, the statutory purpose of the designation, but it is widely scoped partly because of the complexities of what is included in ‘landscape’ and ‘natural beauty’ and also to respond to the wide variety of functions Local Authorities are responsible for.

Increasingly the Management Plan is designed to enhance the beauty and character as well as the quality of the landscape, the essential services the landscape provides to society and should be seen as a part of a suite of Management Plans for all of the National Landscapes which together make up a strategic resource for the nation.

2.2.1 The role of this management plan revision

The first statutory Kent Downs AONB Management Plan was adopted in April 2004. This is the third revision. In their formal observations the Countryside Agency and subsequently Natural England recognised the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan and its early reviews as representing ‘exemplary’ and ‘best practice’.

This revised Management Plan is based on the original plan and its subsequent revisions. It justifies and details the aims and principles for the conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs AONB. It has been prepared by the Kent Downs AONB Unit and Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for, and on behalf of, the twelve local authorities that have land within the Kent Downs, DRAFTthus fulfilling part of their statutory obligations.

The public consultation on this plan was extensive and took place during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic. Feedback from businesses, individuals and organisations was generally that the experience of the Pandemic made the vision aims and policies of the AONB Management Plan ever more important and urgent.

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2.2.2 The status and role of management plan principles

The overarching aim of this Management Plan is to achieve the purpose of AONB designation.

The scope of the CRoW Act was wide for AONB Management Plans requiring policy both for the management of the AONB and for the Local Authorities to carry out their many functions. As part of this review process the Joint Advisory Committee has recommended that the approach of the plan is altered to recognise that the Management Plan as a whole represents their Policy (to be consistent with the CROW Act 2000 and PPGs). With this in mind what were described as ‘Policies’ in previous versions of the plan are now described as ‘Principles’; some previous Policies have been removed so as not to repeat national policy.

The Management Plan does not and cannot formulate land use planning policies but provides evidence to assist in the policy and decision-making process in planning. The status of the Management Plan combined with the thorough process of Management Plan making and review means that the AONB Management Plan is a material consideration in planning matters and should be afforded weight in decisions. The Planning Practice Guidance confirms this, stating that ‘AONB Management Plans may contain information which is relevant when preparing plan policies, or which is a material consideration when assessing planning applications’.

2.2.3 A Duty of Regard

The strengthened status of AONBs through the CRoW Act has brought commitments from a wide range of organisations – including those who are not directly involved in the AONB partnership. Section 85, Part IV of the CRoW Act requires all public bodies, statutory undertakers and relevant authorities to demonstrate that they have taken account of the purposes of the AONB in their decision making.

The Kent Downs AONB partnership has prepared a series of guidance documents, which support the Management Plan and inform and provide practical ways for organisations and individuals to implement their Duty of Regard.

In support of the Duty several Public Bodies and Statutory undertakers have either signed Joint Accords or have developed practical projects to deliver the conservation and enhancement of Natural Beauty on the ground. Notable amongst these are the Forestry Commission, Natural England and UK Power Networks.

2.2.4 Who isDRAFT the plan for? First and foremost, the Management Plan belongs to the AONB local authorities – the plan provides the vision, aims and principles that formulates their policy for the management of the AONB and for carrying out their functions in relation to it.

Second, this Management Plan is for all the government agencies, statutory undertakers, utilities and public bodies which have a ‘duty of regard’ (under S85 of the CRoW Act 2000)

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for the purposes of the AONB designation in their functions and operations. All public bodies and relevant authorities have to demonstrate that they have taken into account the purposes of the AONB designation in all their functions within the area. This Management Plan will inform, guide and influence that process.

Finally, and importantly, this is a plan for everyone who cares for, manages or whose work might affect the AONB as well as for those who live, work or play in the Kent Downs. The impact and difference that can be made by farmers, land managers, individuals, countryside management organisations, and community and voluntary organisations, when viewed as a whole is critical to the future of the Kent Downs. We intend that this Management Plan is practical and relevant to a wide and diverse range of individuals and organisations, and that it will help advise and influence activities, decisions and the perception people have of the Kent Downs.

3. The role of the Kent Downs AONB partnership

Within an area as large and varied as the Kent Downs, there are many hundreds of individuals and organisations which have a role in managing the landscape, supporting local business and communities and enabling quiet recreation.

Together the Kent Downs AONB partnership plays a central, pivotal and convening role in realising the strategic vision for the Kent Downs AONB and overseeing the Management Plan.

The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for the Kent Downs AONB was established in July 1997 and is at the heart of the partnership. JAC membership includes the twelve local authorities who have joint responsibility to prepare and review the Management Plan, namely: Ashford, Bromley, Canterbury, Dover, Gravesham, Kent, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Hythe, Swale and Tonbridge & Malling; as well as Natural England. Additional advisory members are the Environment Agency, Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the National Farmers Union (NFU), Visit Kent, The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) and Action with Communities in Rural Kent (ACRK).

An Executive of JAC representatives and some outside advisors has assisted in steering the work of the Kent Downs AONB Unit. At a much larger scale, an occasional Kent Downs Forum is held for a wider audience, to discuss current issues and gain input and advice.

The AONB Unit is employed through and hosted by Kent County Council and works on behalf of Government and the JAC to carry out the preparation and review of the Management Plan, to advocate its vision, aims and principles and work in collaborative partnerships to deliver a range of actions described in the Action Plan.

The objective of the JAC is to ensure that the AONB Unit is effective, efficient and authoritative, recognised and valued by partners and policy makers as a professional body securing the purposesDRAFT of the designation, delivering significant added value and enabling action on the ground.

The approach of the AONB Unit is to:

• Build knowledge and partnerships in order to inform and realise the ambitions of the

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Management Plan.

• Deliver great value to partners, providing authoritative advocacy, advice and support, catalysing activity amongst existing organisations and leading where appropriate.

• Carry out a timely, inclusive and authoritative review of the AONB Management Plan on behalf of Local Authorities.

• Lead on the delivery of the AONB Management Plan and generate partnerships and collaboration in support.

• Build capacity, motivation and professionalism and retains expertise and high quality, highly motivated staff.

• Actively seek finance, partnerships and other resources to support the delivery of the Management Plan.

In doing this the Unit retains the highest standards of business management and relates positively and openly with partner organisations, individuals, businesses and civil society.

Defra and local authority partners provide essential funding to support the AONB Unit to enable it to fulfil its role in the wider AONB partnership.

Together the JAC, its Executive and the Unit form the Kent Downs AONB partnership.

The Government’s Landscape Review made several recommendations about the future governance, funding and staffing arrangements for both AONBs and National Parks, these seek to ensure that AONBs in particular had sufficient resources to meet the objectives of the designation, improve efficiency and collaboration, strengthen participation and inclusion and enhance delivery. In addition the impact of the Covid-19 have been substantial on the health and wellbeing of society as well as the economy and has placed a new focus on the role of the AONB in recovery. In the light of the findings of the Landscape Review and the need to support the recovery from Covid-19 pandemic it is expected that the behaviours, values and culture of the AONB partnership, its governance and the funding arrangements of the Kent Downs AONB will be reviewed in the plan period.

‘Today, we have a system [in England] which is fragmented, sometimes marginalised and often misunderstood. Indeed it is not really a system at all, but 10 National Parks, who do not always work together effectively, and an entirely separate network of 34 less powerful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). They have different purposes from National Parks, vastly less money, but sometimes greater pressures; and yet cover areas that are more visited, sometimes more biodiverse and are just as beautiful.’

The AONB partnership’s role in planning policy and decisions

Planning and DRAFTdevelopment issues have a fundamental impact on the statutory purposes of AONB designation; until the CRoW Act 2000, the land use planning system was the main mechanism by which AONBs were protected, conserved and enhanced.

Within the context of the National Planning Policy Framework and planning legislation, the Kent Downs AONB partnership has agreed to take on a limited land use planning role, in summary this is to:

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• Provide design guidance in partnership with AONB Local Authorities.

• Comment on forward/strategic planning issues e.g. Local Plans.

• Involvement in development management only in exceptional circumstances, e.g. in terms of scale and precedence.

• Provide planning advice/comments on development management in other cases at the request of a Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory member and /or local authority Planning Officers and Government.

This Management Plan is required by the legislation to ‘formulate the local authority policy for the management of the AONB and for carrying out their functions in relation to it’. The planning function of Local Authorities is a critical way to conserve and enhance the Kent Downs.

Delivering in partnership and developing wider collaboration

Much that has been achieved since the publication of the first Kent Downs Management Plan has been through the many partners who work on the ground in the AONB. The Kent Downs AONB partnership is recognised nationally as one of the most effective at securing activity and resources in support of the Management Plan and its principles; this revision recognises that even greater benefit could be generated through larger scale and more broadly scoped collaborative partnerships working across sectors, seeking greater inclusion and diversity and at a landscape scale, including working beyond the boundary of the Kent Downs, for example for landscape scale conservation, projects and programmes which benefit populations outside the AONB and for the Nature Recovery Network.

4 The management of the Kent Downs AONB – issues opportunities and threats

The Governments Landscape Review has provided an overarching evidence-based assessment of the issues opportunities and threats affecting the management of our National Landscapes, they are recognised and supported by the Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee and so this plan does not repeat them here. The local response to the Review will be framed by the vision, aims and principles of this plan.

5 The management of the Kent Downs AONB - aims

A landscape in which:

1. In lineDRAFT with the findings and recommendations of the Government’s Landscape Review the partnership leading the conservation and enhancement of the landscapes of the Kent Downs is effective and influential, properly resourced, suitably representative and has powers which are fit for purpose.

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2. The AONB partnership provides leadership and direction for the future conservation and enhancement of the AONB within the context of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan and is open to the views of all people, is adaptive and flexible to change.

3. The AONB partnership provides leadership and direction for the future conservation and enhancement of the AONB within the context of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan.

6 The management of the Kent Downs AONB - principles

MPP1 The Kent Downs AONB Management Plan and its supporting documents, supported by a strong partnership approach, will be pursued as the primary means to develop, co-ordinate and promote the management, conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs AONB.

MMP2 The Kent Downs AONB is a material consideration in plan making and decision taking, and so local authorities will give a high priority to the AONB Management Plan vision, aims, principles and actions in Local Plans, development management decisions, planning enforcement cases and in taking forward their other relevant functions.

MPP 3 The development of strong, diverse working partnerships and landscape scale collaborations to implement the vision, aims and principles of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan will be pursued.

MPP4 Collaborative working partnerships and initiatives with other National Landscapes and the implementation of the findings of The Landscape Review will be pursued.

MPP5 The involvement and engagement of diverse interest groups in decisions about and affecting the Kent Downs AONB future will be pursued.

MPP6 The preparation and review of the Management Plan, advocacy of its vision, aims and principles and work in partnership to deliver the actions described will be pursued through a properly resourced Kent Downs AONB Unit supported technically and financially by the local authorities.

DRAFT

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3. Sustainable Development

Contents Summary of changes ...... 22 3. Our vision ...... 23 3.1 Overview ...... 23 3.1.1 The Sustainable Development Goals ...... 23 3.1.2 Sustainable Development in the Kent Downs AONB ...... 23 3.1.3 Unprecedented growth and development pressures ...... 24 3.1.4 Cumulative Change ...... 25 3.1.5 The London City Region ...... 25 3.2 Guiding themes ...... 25 Natural Capital and the provision of ecosystem services ...... 26 Climate Change in the Kent Downs ...... 26 A landscape led approach, local character and qualities ...... 27 Intended Net Gain ...... 28 Green infrastructure provision ...... 29 3.3 Recurrent themes ...... 29 Tranquillity and remoteness ...... 29 Setting ...... 30 Design and materials ...... 30 Mitigation ...... 31 3.4 Sustainable development – main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 32 3.5 Sustainable development – aims ...... 33 3.6 SustainableDRAFT development – principles ...... 34

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3. Our vision for sustainable development in the Kent Downs AONB In 2031 … the principles and goals of sustainable development are at the heart of the management of the Kent Downs. Change reinforces and enhances the characteristics, qualities and distinctiveness of the Kent Downs and benefits its communities and economy. While the surrounding urban areas have expanded considerably, innovative management techniques and policy approaches successfully address the pressure and opportunities presented by growth to the landscapes of the AONB. Through landscape scale restoration, conservation and enhancement the Kent Downs has a key role in mitigating and balancing any negative environmental impacts of the significant growth that Kent has (and continues to) experience.

The impacts of climate change are being felt but the mitigation and adaptive responses taken are landscape led, effective and carefully chosen to enhance the characteristics, qualities and distinctiveness of the landscape rather than detracting from them. The natural capital and ecosystems service provision of the Kent Downs has been enhanced. Important areas of tranquillity have been identified, protected and expanded and provide ‘oases of calm’.

The Kent Downs landscape and partnership take an important and appropriate role in the economic and societal recovery from Covid-19.

3.1 Overview

Achieving sustainable development is an overarching principle for much national and international policy. The UN General Assembly defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

3.1.1 The Sustainable Development Goals The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a historic global agreement to eradicate extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and leave no one behind. Agreed by world leaders at the UN in 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The SDGs are universal with all signatories expected to contribute to them internationally and deliver them domestically. This Management Plan is underpinned by and contributes towards delivery of the United Nation’s Sustainable DevelopmentDRAFT Goals; the Plan contributes locally to some of the ways that the UK Government is supporting the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals domestically.

3.1.2 Sustainable Development in the Kent Downs AONB Sustainable development has economic, social and environmental dimensions. In the

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context of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sustainability should be judged widely and in accordance with the sustainable development goals but with a focus on the purposes of the AONB designation.

Applying this to the local circumstances of the Kent Downs, particular attention should be given to the special characteristics and qualities of the area and supporting a landscape led approach. These in turn help to apply to a variety of plans, strategies and policy frameworks so that proposals in or affecting the AONB can be judged. The protection afforded to the AONB should be commensurate with the national and international status of the area and give appropriate weight to the AONB’s importance.

To assist this process, this management plan identifies the special characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs landscape and provides an updated description of the landscape character of the area. In this context, key issues, threats and opportunities are identified along with a vision, aims and principles which respond to them. Strategic issues are identified in this section of the plan these are: over-arching ‘guiding themes’ (3.2) arising from the purposes of designation the context of the natural capital approach and the need to respond to climate change and ecological loss, and ‘recurrent themes’ (3.3) which arise frequently across the topics in this plan. These themes will be considered first when considering projects, proposals, policies and local authority functions, before turning to specific sections later in the management plan. In the absence of local criteria-based policies, the intention is that this management plan’s vision, aims and principles will provide helpful evidence to assist with decision making.

3.1.3 Unprecedented growth and development pressures The position of the Kent Downs, close to London, mainland Europe, major urban centres and growth areas means that the Kent Downs AONB, perhaps more than any other of Britain’s protected landscapes – AONBs, Heritage Coasts or National Parks, has experienced and is experiencing severe development pressure. Evidence from a Defra commissioned review of growth and development in AONBs carried forward by Prof. Bibby (University of Sheffield) shows the Kent Downs AONB as being an ‘outlier’ in the amount of growth it has accommodated ‘The Kent Downs AONB stands out as an area which has experienced major, but expected, change, showing a rate of urban growth of almost 10%.pa, with the urban area spreading by 14 ha over the decade’ (2014 unpublished) the population of the Kent Downs has increased by 3% in the previous plan period.

The Kent Growth and Infrastructure Framework (2018 update) prepared by a wide partnership of Local Authorities at the County level has identified an unprecedented level of planned growth in Kent in the period 2011 to 2031, this includes a 24% growth in the number of homes (additional 178,600) and a 23% growth in the number of people (additional 396,300); there is an increase of 21% of jobs (additional 170,300) planned. It should be noted that the Government’s ‘standard method’ which uses a formula to identify the minimum number of homes expected to be planned for, increases Kent and Medway’s housing need, compared to the Kent Growth and Infrastructure framework.

It is the scale DRAFTand pace of change which was the primary reason that the Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee decided to shorten the immediate vision period of the AONB Management Plan from 20 to 10 years; so that the plan responds effectively to the immediate issues of growth, biodiversity loss and climate change.

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The issues of growth, urbanisation and development present a variety of opportunities and threats. New transportation infrastructure including strategic trans-European highways, High Speed Rail, the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, communications infrastructure and housing, as well as the pressures of intensive agriculture and forestry, increased recreational use and illegal activities such as fly tipping and off road driving, loss of tranquillity, landscape character and qualities can detract significantly from this important landscape.

An important role of the management plan is to achieve the management and mitigation of the detracting pressures on the landscape and to do so with ambition and at a scale to match the threat – good examples include the creation of land bridges which can mitigate the very significant negative impacts on the AONB from major roads and provided ecological connections. At the same the approach of the Management Plan is to seek a positive exchange of goods and services between the Kent Downs and the surrounding urban areas. Despite the intense pressure experienced in the Kent Downs, it is still true that the AONB has largely retained its character and qualities. Community based, focused projects have shown the real benefit of sustainable development approaches.

The development pressures experienced in the Kent Downs AONB are specifically referenced in the Government’s Landscape Review describing the Kent Downs (and High Weald) as:

‘especially large AONBs which cross multiple local authority boundaries and under particular development pressure,’

3.1.4 Cumulative Change Against this backdrop of large-scale development, there is continual pressure for small-scale development and change creating a cumulative impact on the special character and qualities of the AONB. The landscape character assessment review of the Kent Downs continually picked up small scale poorly designed or inappropriately located, housing development, detracting influences from recreational land management, such as golf courses, equine facilities and visitor attractions, poor boundary treatments, badly designed highways, water and telecoms infrastructure, each individually small impact taken cumulatively is progressively diminishing the qualities and character of the AONB at a strategic scale. At the same time the cumulative impact of careful enhancements made through individual agri- environment schemes, conservation projects and carefully judged development can cumulatively conserve and enhance the landscape.

3.1.5 The London City Region The Kent Downs AONB Unit led a group of organisations from 12 National Landscapes operating in the London City Region to develop a 25 year vision. The vision recognises the opportunities and threats generated by the area’s predicted population growth from 12 – 20m in the period 2017 to 2042. The overall aim is to collaborate to establish London and the South East as the World’s Greenest City Region, where the Protected Landscapes are treasured and the population mobilised to enjoy and care for these natural environments.

A 7 point planDRAFT of goals was created; this management plan seeks to deliver against those goals at the local level.

3.2 Guiding themes

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Some of the sustainability issues to be addressed in the Kent Downs AONB are of a high- level, over-arching nature which underpin much of the quality as well as character and beauty of the landscape which should inform actions and decisions in the area generally. These are natural beauty (outlined in section 1.2.1), natural capital and the provision of ecosystems services, climate change, ecological loss and nature recovery, a landscape led approach, net gain and green infrastructure provision.

Natural capital and the provision of resilient ecosystem services

This plan is strongly informed by a natural capital approach; natural capital includes the air, water, soil and ecosystems that support all forms of life, the various sections of the plan contribute, where appropriate, to supporting the natural capital goals of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan: clean air, clean and plentiful water, thriving plants and wildlife, reducing environmental risk, using resources more sustainably, managing environmental pressures, mitigating and adapting to climate change, minimising waste, enhancing biosecurity and, most particularly, enhancing beauty, heritage and engagement with the natural environment.

The UK government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of ‘natural capital’. Natural capital offers a range of goods and services that society benefits from, called ecosystem services. These services range from crop pollination soil fertility maintenance, waste sinks to climate and water regulation. Ultimately all human life depends on ecosystem services for clean air, clean water and food production. Services have been grouped into four categories:

• Supporting services, such as nutrient cycling, oxygen production and soil formation. These underpin the provision of the other ‘service’ categories.

• Provisioning services, such as food, fibre, fuel and water.

• Regulating services, such as climate regulation, water purification and flood protection.

• Cultural services, such as education, recreation, and aesthetic value including beauty.

The ecosystems services of the Kent Downs are identified in Natural England’s National Character Assessment for the North Downs and Wealden Greensand and are therefore not repeated here. The Kent Nature Partnership is in the process of generating a high level Natural Capital Account for Kent including the Kent Downs AONB. The Management Plan, taken as a whole, seeks to secure, conserve, enhance and make more resilient the natural capital value of the Downs and therefore the ecosystems services that the landscapes of the Kent Downs offer society.

Climate Change in the Kent Downs

Climate change will affect the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The UK Climate Projection (UKCP) Programme 2018 provided a much finer grain (2.2km2) projection of climate changeDRAFT to 2100. Headline changes include hotter, drier summers; particularly hot summers and hot summer days are expected to become more common. While summers are expected to be drier there will be an increase in the intensity of heavy summer rainfall events. Warmer, wetter winters are also predicted with greater rainfall intensity. Sea level rise is predicted to continue (already 17cm since the start of the 20th century), with predictions ranging from around 30cm to 90cm by 2100 depending on the emissions

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scenario, these are significantly higher than the 2009 projections.

The UK Climate Impact Programme (UKCIP 2019) provides tools to establish adaptation approaches to the projections. At a Kent level the information and evidence provided by the UKCP and UKCIP has provided an evidence base for the Kent Climate Change Risk and Impact Assessment (KCCRiA 2020). Key impacts are consistent with the UKCP predictions. Several key characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs are predicted to change these include introduction of new pests and diseases, sea level rise and coastal erosion, wild fire, both drought and flooding affecting water bodies, water scarcity, soil erosion, air quality issues, changes in species distribution and abundance and changes in land management practice.

In recognition of the very serious threats climate change places on society the UK Parliament has declared an environment and climate emergency. Many of the local authority partners to the Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee have either declared or recognised an emergency or have plans to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. There are a number of nature-based responses to climate change, some of which are mentioned in the Committee on Climate Change report on land use (2020) these include wilding, tree and hedgerow establishment, permanent grassland creation and management and soil carbon enhancement for instance through regenerative farming, all of which would be coherent with the Kent Downs AONB landscape character and qualities and which increase resilience and reduce the impact. New energy crops are promoted along with a shift in consumption from (and therefore production of) the most carbon intensive foods these approaches are reflected and promoted elsewhere in the plan.

There is an important role for both the AONB landscape and partnership in helping to achieve carbon sequestration and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Ecological loss and nature recovery. Set against a backdrop of unprecedented concern for the future of the natural world, intergovernmental and national reports demonstrate that the current response to the effects of human impact on nature is insufficient, along with the clear guidance from the Government’s Landscape Review – there is a clear and pressing need to increase the scale and pace of nature recovery activity in AONBs. This is recognised in the National AONB Declaration on Nature in AONBs, the Colchester Declaration, which sets out a strategy for change. Nature recovery is an essential guiding theme of the Management Plan and the local implementation of the Colchester Declaration an important priority in order that we restore functioning ecosystems and extend and return lost habitats and species to the landscape.

A landscape led approach, local character and qualities

Section 4 of the Plan demonstrates that landscape is made up of many component factors; it is complex andDRAFT all the more wonderful for that. The primary purpose of an AONB is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, this must take into account all of the factors identified in this plan and in relevant guidance. The landscape of the Kent Downs AONB extends beyond administrative boundaries and is a strategic matter which should be specifically considered in local authority’s duty to cooperate in plan making.

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A landscape led approach to design, resource management and development means starting with an understanding of the landscape as a framework for evidence. In a nationally protected landscape the purposes of the designation have to be the driving force when considering or undertaking change. The starting point of achieving landscape led approach is an understanding of the site and its setting, the local landscape character, supporting this it is the landscape elements, context, special character and qualities, distinctiveness, sense of place, patterns and sensitivities; how it is perceived by people and for what reasons it is valued by people are key to the approach. Applying best practice and an iterative approach are key in practice to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB. A landscape led approach does not mean simply imposing an intervention within an existing landscape pattern. In a landscape led development, a site’s landscape capacity will not be exceeded. For policies, plans and projects in or affecting the Kent Downs AONB delivering the purposes of the designation should be a primary consideration from start to finish, taking a landscape led approach is essential to achieving this.

Local characteristics and qualities are the triumph of the distinctive and the diverse over the uniform. Each section in this management plan explains what that means in the Kent Downs. Many aspects of local characteristics and qualities are specific to the designated area, such as the landform and landscape of the scarp and dip slope, the woodland and biodiversity which thrive on the steep scarp slopes, the sights and scents, the ecosystems services provided by the landscape, the time depth, access routes, patterns of settlement and farming practices which respond to them all.

Many more local characteristics are distinctive to individual places or small localities, from building materials to traditional events, fruit trees to dew ponds and dene holes. These provide variety around different parts of the AONB, in addition to the sense of place which comes from being within the designated area. These qualities, features and experiences should not be seen in isolation but as vital components of a landscape led approach to AONB management which reveres and therefore conserves and enhances what is locally special.

As part of the statutory review of this Management Plan a revision of the Kent Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment has been taken forward; Landscape Character Assessment is covered in more detail in section 4. Landscape Character Assessment is an important tool for taking a landscape led approach and the Kent Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment forms an integral component of this plan.

Intended Net Gain

The intention of achieving a net gain, initially for biodiversity and eventually for the environment as a whole, through development is a key principle in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. It is expected that biodiversity net gain will become mandatory during the plan period. Net gain is also required by national planning policy in the National Planning Policy Framework para 170 and 174. Biodiversity Net Gain is covered in more detail in section 5 (Biodiversity). DRAFT Net Gain provides the potential to generate substantial new investment streams to achieve the sustainable development and biodiversity objectives of the AONB Management Plan. While this is important and welcome for the AONB whether a net gain can be achieved is yet to be proven.

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Green infrastructure provision

The Kent Downs AONB is recognised as a strategically important component of the Green Infrastructure of Kent and the south east of England. Green Infrastructure provision is embodied in the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance and is an essential component of good planning for urban and rural areas. Green infrastructure is a key tool to create a resilient environment in the face of climate change supporting biodiversity and access opportunities.

3.3 Recurrent themes

Some topics arise so frequently when seeking to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Kent Downs that they should be understood for their strategic importance to the landscape management of the AONB. These cross-cutting topics are usually one of a number relevant to any action or decision affecting the AONB. They are assembled here to highlight their overall importance and should be viewed as matters to address first whenever this management plan is relevant, before turning to specific topics in each of the following sections. This does not mean that each one will necessarily be significant to every decision or action, but that their possible applicability should always be considered.

Tranquillity and remoteness The perception of being away from the noise, sights and smells of modern life is a much valued feature of many parts of the AONB where people can refresh body and soul. In the south east of England absolute tranquillity is an increasingly rare resource. The Landscape Institute’s overview on Tranquillity (2017) recognises the importance of relative tranquillity which is relevant in the case of a busy county like Kent:

A distinction is made between absolute tranquillity and relative tranquillity. When we refer to tranquillity in the UK, it is therefore almost always relative tranquillity that we are referring to, but in differing degrees. For instance, the tranquillity promoted by a summer sunrise on a calm day on top of a high mountain may be close to absolute, with almost no disturbance of any kind detracting from that state of mind. Yet the benefit to people of the relative tranquillity …. may be very high, despite intrusion from background traffic noise or the presence of many other people. Both sorts are important to recognise and value…’

Research by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has shown that since the 1960s England has lost over 20% of its tranquil areas to urban sprawl, traffic and light pollution. The average size of our tranquil areas has reduced by 73%. As Kent’s population increases, this resource will become more important and increasingly under threat. National tranquillity mapping carried out by the CPRE and more recently by Winchester University has confirmed that the Kent Downs offers important areas of relative tranquillity.

A 2016 CPRE survey documents the loss of dark night skies through badly designed and sited night lighting, it also identifies the areas of England with pristine night skies; the report suggests a seriesDRAFT of recommendations to protects and enhance dark skies. An accepted and often valued part of living in or visiting the countryside has always been dark, star-filled skies. These qualities are increasingly difficult to enjoy outside the AONB, while there are parts of the Kent Downs which benefit from truly dark skies it is important to seek to both protect and extend these.

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The importance of tranquillity has been noted in the National Planning Policy Framework which requires (paragraph 180 (b)) that planning policies and decisions should aim to ‘identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason’. One way that tranquillity within the Kent Downs is currently impacted is as a result of several main flight paths passing over the AONB; the impact of overflying airplanes on landscape tranquillity can be significant, especially where background noise is otherwise low.

The erosion of tranquillity is an issue that has been emphasised in the public engagement stage of this AONB Management Plan, it is an important issue for the public and local authority partners and a part of the special characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs.

Tranquillity mapping will be inserted

Setting The setting of the Kent Downs AONB is broadly speaking the land outside the designated area which is visible from the AONB and from which the AONB can be seen, but may be wider when affected by intrusive features beyond that. The setting of the Kent Downs is not formally defined or indicated on a map. The setting of the AONB landscape should be distinguished from the setting of listed buildings and other heritage assets (on which there is legislation and also policy in the National Planning Policy Framework and elsewhere).

Proposals which would affect the setting of the AONB are not subject to the same level of constraint as those which would affect the AONB itself. The weight to be afforded to setting issues will depend on the significance of the impact. Matters such as the size of proposals, their distance, incompatibility with their surroundings, movement, reflectivity and colour are likely to affect impact. Where the qualities of the AONB which were instrumental in reasons for its designation are affected by proposals in the setting, then the impacts should be given considerable weight in decisions.

The Kent Downs AONB Joint Advisory Committee has prepared a ‘Setting Position Statement’ which provides helpful further advice supporting the vision, aims and principles of the Plan.

Design and materials The special characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs include the quality of the built heritage and settlement patterns. To conserve and enhance the natural and scenic beauty of the Kent Downs, the scale, extent and design of new development, re-development and restoration is critical. The NPPF places considerable focus on the importance of good design, stating that ‘Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions’ while the Planning Practice Guidance advises that all development in AONBs ‘will need to be located and designed in a way that reflects their status as landscapes of the highest quality’. DRAFT To support the statutory Duty of Regard towards the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty placed on public bodies and statutory undertakers the Kent Downs AONB Partnership has produced a series of design guidance documents:

• The Kent Downs AONB Landscape Design Handbook

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• The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Rural Streets and Lanes: A Design Handbook • The Kent Downs AONB Farmsteads Design Guidance • Managing Land for Horses – a guide to good practice in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Kent Downs AONB Guidance on the Selection and Use of Colour in Development • A Buildings and Settlement Design Guide is planned.

The Kent Downs has a rich tradition of half-timbered and weather-boarded buildings. There is also a legacy of locally distinctive architecture in locally derived building materials such as Ragstone, flint and chalk. Soft red bricks and peg-tiles lend colour and here and there long- straw thatching can be seen. The predominance of local materials helps to establish the distinctive character of the built environment. The conservation and enhancement of these diverse buildings requires local sources of building materials, as well as skilled craftsmen who understand and respect the building traditions of the past and the architectural vernacular. High quality modern design can draw from the past. New development should use available, sustainably sourced traditional as well as appropriate new materials and a design approach which fits neatly with and complements the valued traditions, forms and patterns of the past, while securing environmental efficiency and affordability.

Mitigation This plan promotes the use of the mitigation hierarchy so that first adverse impacts on any of the sustainable development goals should be avoided and, wherever possible, alternative options which reduce or eliminate such impacts should be pursued. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable, measures to mitigate the impact should be applied. Where adequate mitigation measures are not possible, compensatory measures should be adopted.

This approach is supported in para. 32 of the National Planning Policy Framework; this management plan follows the priorities set out in the NPPF by focusing on the avoidance of damage to the characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB. However, mitigation is also important. Reducing the impacts of unavoidable change from infrastructure and growth and a growing population close to the AONB, changing land management, the needs of the AONB population and access and enjoyment, for instance, is an on-going challenge. Likewise, infrastructure and growth in the setting of the AONB can challenge the qualities of the AONB itself. Mitigation will also be needed where schemes which have benefits for the AONB also themselves have adverse effects, for example where:

– affordable housing to sustain local AONB communities is needed but must be constructed in ways which minimise impacts on their surroundings; – infrastructure to reintroduce woodland management (with benefits including biodiversity, wood products, renewable energy, and employment) may also need road access, harm local amenities or erode tranquillity; and – improved recreational access to enjoy the qualities of the AONB could erode those very qualities. – Farm managementDRAFT and diversification activities

In addition, the AONB must play its part in appropriately mitigating the impacts of climate change, which demands responses by all sectors. This should be achieved in a way which supports rather than harms the character and qualities of the AONB.

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Given the anticipated pace and scape of growth it is increasingly likely that impacts on the AONB may not be mitigated satisfactorily. In these circumstances the AONB partnership will seek compensatory measures to enable conservation and enhancement of the landscape elsewhere in the AONB.

3.4 Sustainable development – main issues, opportunities and threats

a. The predicted scale and pace of growth in Kent and the London City Region is unprecedented; to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB and to create benefit for existing and new communities significant new efforts and investment in the enhancing the green infrastructure, landscape, its natural capital and ecosystems services will be required. Through landscape scale restoration, conservation and enhancement the Kent Downs has a key role in mitigating and balancing any negative environmental impacts of the significant growth that Kent has (and continues to) experience and should be a target for net gain investments in Kent.

b. There is a rapidly changing context in which the management, conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs AONB landscape is conducted.

c. Cumulative loss of landscape features, biodiversity, tranquillity and character and suburbanisation has been experienced in the AONB due to incremental poorly located, designed and badly screened development, visitor pressure and leisure uses, intensive agricultural and forestry and woodland management practices, pressure from traffic and significant levels of urban growth and development.

d. The expected impact of climate change is clear, being felt and will be substantial; mitigation and adaptation responses supporting decarbonisation of the economy and focusing on nature based solutions should be implemented that are urgent, evidence based and enhance landscape character, qualities and resilience.

e. There is a need to work at a community level to support project-based sustainable development initiatives and exemplars in the AONB and to increase the scale, integration and impact of activity.

f. Despite a significant loss and continuing pressure, the Kent Downs still provides important relatively tranquil areas; the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places a requirement on Local Planning Authorities to identify tranquil areas.

g. Dark night skies are a feature of some parts the Kent Downs and are a valued part of the experience of tranquil rural areas.

h. The quality of the setting of the AONB particularly in the experience of views is recognisedDRAFT as important in the original designation and in the enjoyment of the landscape today.

i. The choice of design and materials in restoration, new development and landscape management are recognised as critical when seeking to conserve and enhance the landscape of the Kent Downs AONB.

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j. By applying the Sustainable Development Goals to the management principles of the Kent Downs AONB the partnership can bring forward environmental, social and economic benefits for existing and new communities.

k. Biodiversity net gain and eventually environmental net gain provide major opportunities to take forward the conservation and enhancement of the landscapes of the Kent Downs AONB

l. The Kent Downs AONB landscape and partnership is well placed to take an appropriate role in supporting efforts to recover from the economic and societal impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting the rural and visitor economy, supporting the resilience of farming and food production and the health and well-being of communities.

3.5 Sustainable development – aims

A landscape in which:

1. AONB conservation and enhancement, sustainable development goals and the vision aims and principles of the AONB Management Plan are the starting point of net gain and green infrastructure investments, plans, projects and policies affecting the Kent Downs.

2. The character and distinctiveness of villages, farmsteads and individual buildings are conserved and enhanced by combining the best traditions of the past with the best technologies of the present to create environmentally sustainable and locally enhancing development.

3. A positive, proactive and urgent approach is taken to the implications of climate change and intelligent and effective mitigation and adaptation responses are chosen which support landscape character, resilient ecosystem services and drive rapid greenhouse gas reductions and increase in sequestration.

4. All development achieves landscape enhancement, biodiversity gain and supports carbon neutrality; conservation and mitigation is delivered in every case.

5. A comparatively tranquil environment is protected, conserved and enhanced.

6. The setting and views in and out of the AONB are conserved and enhanced.

7. The detrimental impact of existing infrastructure on the qualities of the AONB is significantly reduced. DRAFT 8. Individual and cumulative development and change contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the AONB rather than detracting from it.

9. The AONB partnership takes an active and appropriate role in supporting the economic and societal recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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3.6 Sustainable development – principles

SD1 Ensure that policies, plans, projects and net gain investments affecting the Kent Downs AONB take a landscape led approach are long term, framed by the Sustainable Development Goals appropriate to the Kent Downs, cross cutting and recurrent themes, the vision, aims and principles of the AONB Management Plan.

SD2 The local character, qualities, distinctiveness and natural resources of the Kent Downs AONB will be conserved and enhanced in the design, scale, siting, landscaping and materials of new development, redevelopment and infrastructure and will be pursued through the application of appropriate design guidance and position statements.

SD3 Ensure that development and changes to land use and land management cumulatively conserve and enhance the character and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB rather than detracting from it.

SD4 A strategic, evidence led approach to both the adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of climate change on the natural beauty and historic character of the Kent Downs, and its human consequences, will be pursued with an urgent focus on supporting greenhouse gas emission reduction and sequestration through nature based solutions.

SD5 Renewable and sustainable energy initiatives and energy efficiency measures will be pursued where they help to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and landscape character of the Kent Downs AONB and bring environmental, social and economic benefits to local people and ensure proposals conform with the Kent Downs AONB Renewable Energy Position Statement and resisted where they do not.

SD6 Activities to increase understanding of the importance and the extent of tranquillity, remoteness and dark night skies within the Kent Downs will be pursued.

SD7 New projects, proposals and programmes shall conserve and enhance tranquillity and where possible dark night skies.

SD8 Ensure proposals, projects and programmes do not negatively impact on the distinctive landform, landscape character, special characteristics and qualities, the setting and views to and from the Kent Downs AONB.

SD9 The particular historic and locally distinctive character of rural settlements and buildings of the Kent Downs AONB will be maintained and strengthened. The use of sustainablyDRAFT sourced locally-derived materials for restoration and conversion work will be encouraged. New developments will be expected to apply appropriate design guidance and to be complementary to local character in form, siting, scale, contribution to settlement pattern and choice of materials.

SD10 Positive measures to mitigate the negative impact of existing infrastructure and

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growth on the natural beauty and amenity of the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued.

SD11 Major development should avoid the Kent Downs AONB in line with NPPF guidance. Where it is decided that development will take place that will have a negative impact on the landscape character, characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB or its setting, mitigation and or compensatory measures appropriate to the national importance of the Kent Downs landscape will be identified, pursued, implemented and maintained. The removal or mitigation of identified landscape detractors will be pursued.

SD 12 Transport and infrastructure schemes and growth areas are expected to avoid the Kent Downs AONB. Unavoidable developments will be expected to fit unobtrusively into the landscape, respect landscape character, be mitigated by sympathetic landscape, buffering, land bridges and design measures and provide compensatory measure through benefits to natural beauty elsewhere in the AONB.

SD13 A strategic, landscape led approach to green infrastructure and net gain investments is taken to ensure the recovery, conservation and enhancement of the special characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB and its setting. The Kent Downs AONB takes a key role in accommodating net gain investments derived from growth elsewhere where the intended gain cannot be delivered locally.

SD14 The Kent Downs AONB partnership will support efforts to achieve an economic and societal recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in a way that supports the vision, aims and principles of the AONB Management Plan.

DRAFT

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4. Landform and landscape character

Contents Summary record of changes ...... 35 4.1 Our vision ...... 35 4.2 Overview ...... 35 4.3 Landscape Character Types and Areas within the Kent Downs AONB ...... 36 Landscape character ...... 36 National Character Areas ...... 38 Landscape condition and change ...... 38 4.4 Landform and landscape character - main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 39 4.5 Landform and landscape character - aims ...... 40 4.4 Landform and landscape character - principles ...... 40

4.1 Our vision for landform and landscape character in the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the rich diversity of landscape character and qualities distinctive to the Kent Downs are protected, enhanced and managed to the highest standards in a co-ordinated and continual programme. The special characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB are widely recognised, valued and strengthened and landscape character informs land and resource management, nature recovery plans, intended net gain and natural capital investments, responses to climate change and development decisions.

4.2 Overview The fundamental and special characteristics that distinguish the natural beauty of the Kent Downs landscape were identified when the Kent Downs AONB was designated in 1968. These were reconfirmed in the 1995 Kent Downs AONB Landscape Assessment and its reviews and again in the views expressed in the public and stakeholder consultation for the original AONBDRAFT Management Plan and its subsequent reviews.

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4.3 Landscape Character Types and Areas within the Kent Downs AONB

Landscape character Landscape character is described as a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another and can provide a helpful description and sense of place to our surroundings. A landscape led, Landscape Character supported approach, further supported by historic landscape character assessment, can assist in informing landscape management decisions and its use is supported by Planning Practice Guidance for the Natural Environment.

The founding Kent Downs AONB Landscape Assessment was prepared by the Countryside Commission (1995 CCP 479); it identified 13 Landscape Character Areas in the AONB. Many of these have been divided into local character areas which detail specific local characteristics and identify some of the pressures facing them. Drawing from these descriptions, the 2004 Landscape Assessment of Kent described Landscape Character Area condition and sensitivity assessments. At a local level landscape character assessments have been prepared as part of the Local Plan Process for several Kent Downs Local Authorities.

As part of this review of the Management Plan a full review of the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) was taken forward. This used a professionally led approach and up to date guidance and included defining Landscape Character Types and reviewing the established Landscape Character Area descriptions and some boundaries.

DRAFT

Figure 4.1 Kent Downs AONB landscape character areas

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Landscape Character Types (LCTs) are defined as distinct types of landscape that are relatively homogenous in character. They are generic in nature in that they may occur in different areas but wherever they occur, they share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation, historical land use and settlement pattern.

Figure 4.2 Kent Downs AONB landscape character types

There are six LCTs within the Kent Downs AONB, reflecting the area’s underlying geology and its topography; these are Chalk Scarp and Vales, Chalk Cliffs and Coast, Chalk Downs, Greensand, Low Weald and River Valleys.

The Chalk Scarp and Vales The long arc of the North Downs chalk ridge is the most dominant element of the AONB, consisting of the steep, south-facing scarp slope rising above the Gault clay vale below. Spectacular views are offered along the chalk escarpment across the Vale of Holmesdale; the scarp along with the dramatic views it affords was a key target for the original designation of the Kent Downs AONB.

The Chalk Cliffs and Coast The Chalk scarpDRAFT ends dramatically at the English Channel forming the White Cliffs, one of the most evocative and best-known British landmarks. The scale of the Kent Downs landscape is at its greatest here. The high vertical cliffs and the white chalk contrast starkly with the foreshore and constantly changing sea below with the bustle of ferries and shipping; overall the coast provides an awe-inspiring panorama. The expansiveness and drama is increased further by enticing glimpses of the French coast on the horizon.

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The Greensand The undulating Greensand Ridge rises to one of the highest points in southeast England at 250 metres at Toy’s Hill. The views from along the length of the Greensand Ridge are some of the best in southern England, and on a clear day, the High Weald and the South Downs beyond can be seen. In the east Kent Downs, the Lympne escarpment of calcareous Sandstone and Ragstone provides a spur of higher ground affording dramatic views across the near-level Romney Marsh and Hythe Bay.

The river valleys Further diversity is provided at the points where the three main rivers, the Darent, Medway and the Great Stour cut through the chalk. Each river flows in a northerly direction and they form broad, steep-sided valleys with open vistas along the river corridors. The River Medway does not lie in the AONB itself, although parts of its tidal flood plain are within the boundary.

Chalk Downs Behind the scarp, open plateau and dry valleys offer a beautiful, greatly valued and intimate feature of much of the Kent Downs landscape and they are often criss-crossed by a maze of tiny, sunken one-track lanes. The downland valleys often have a narrow strip of rough grassland, scrub or woodland along their steepest slopes, locally known as shaves, which are important for wildlife. The larger dry valleys such as Elham and Alkham have the sporadic winterbournes such as the Nailbourne in Elham, flowing occasionally during the very wettest winters. The plateaux areas often dominated by stiff clay with flint soils overlying the solid chalk, the soils were historically difficult to cultivate and were used extensively for sheep grazing. Much of the ancient woodland remains framing the plateaux and enclosing the dry valleys.

National Character Areas Natural England has described National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The National Character Areas Profiles which cover the Kent Downs AONB Include the North Downs (119), Wealden Greensand (120) and Romney Marshes (123).

Landscape condition and change Landscape condition is strongly influenced by external factors which can contribute to or detract from landscape character. The assessment of condition evaluates the landscape pattern and the presence of incongruous features (detractors). It also evaluates how well the landscape functions as a habitat for wildlife and the condition of cultural or ‘man-made’ elements such as enclosures, built elements and roads. Urban fringe areas are often under pressure and are therefore often described as being in poor condition whilst other more remote areas may still have the same basic features but be described as in a better condition. It isDRAFT therefore practical to assume that condition may vary throughout a character area and any conclusions should be regarded as a summary of the overall situation.

Landscapes are not static; they change and evolve over time. In a Protected landscape setting the purpose of management planning is to drive positive change that ‘conserves and enhances’ the character and qualities that are valued and for which the landscape was designated. It is remarkable and re-assuring how consistently the public attitude of what is

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most valued in the Kent Downs reflects the original targets for designation.

More than for any previous revision of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan the context is changing rapidly; there are new opportunities and threats from leaving the EU and a shared urgency to respond to climate change, biodiversity loss and the economic and social impacts of the Covid pandemic. In this context this Management Plan seeks to be forward looking and to promote positive landscape change that supports the purposes of the designation, reflects what is valued by the public and takes a positive approach to the climate and ecological emergencies, this means that the plan will promote more tree establishment than has been suggested in the past, is positive about wilding and will be more active on low carbon land management and encourage new opportunities for access for health and well-being.

4.4 Landform and landscape character - main issues, opportunities and threats

While the Landscape Character Area review found an overall positive picture driven by the interventions of the AONB partnership, partner organisations, farmers and land managers and many others there remains concern and further opportunity, these are picked up in detail in the revised Landscape Character Assessment of the Kent Downs AONB 2020. a. Loss of and damage to the quality and character of the AONB through the cumulative effect of inappropriate, poorly designed general development, unsustainable land management approaches and land use change, the impacts of growth in visitor pressure. b. Degradation of the setting and urban fringe impacts in certain Kent Downs landscape character areas through development, infrastructure, urbanisation and recreational pressure. c. The impact of Ash Dieback disease with the consequent loss of tree cover in woodland, roadsides and in open landscapes is already impacting significantly on landscape character and will continue to do so. d. The erosion of natural beauty and special character through illegal and antisocial activities such as fly tipping, abandoned cars and illegal off-road vehicles. e. The opportunity to promote landscape character conservation and enhancement through at a substantial scale new funding mechanisms (E.L.M.s, Net Gain etc.) and new partnerships specifically focusing on proposed positive management actions as well as addressing the enhancement to ecosystems services and seeking to remove or mitigate identified detractors. f. General lack of awareness of the importance and value of the Kent Downs landscape, its characteristic features and the social and economic benefits it brings. DRAFT g. A landscape led approach, supported by a landscape character assessment is not used sufficiently or appropriately in land-use, land management, design and development management decisions, Landscape and Visual Appraisals, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and design; landscape character assessments are not always consistent or up to date.

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h. Major potential threats and opportunities lie in responses to climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of intended net gain policies and natural capital/ ecosystems services payments. These could drive outcomes which are either contrary or supportive of the valued landscape characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs. i. New and innovative forms of land management which meet natural capital enhancement objectives (such as wilding, regenerative agriculture and agro-forestry) may bring new and potentially valued character to the landscape.

4.5 Landform and landscape character - aims

A landscape in which:

1. The diversity of landscape character across the Kent Downs is properly described and understood, maintained, conserved and enhanced, and the strong sense of place of individual localities is recognised, reinforced and celebrated.

2. A landscape led approach supported by landscape character is used to inform AONB management decisions and areas of opportunity and threat are identified and become the focus for action.

3. The highest standards of landscape conservation, restoration and enhancement are encouraged and integrated into all land uses in the Kent Downs and its setting.

4. There is better understanding of which landscape features local people and visitors value and all people are encouraged to play a part in retaining and enhancing these features.

5. New interventions in the landscape developed to provide, public good, intended net gain, natural capital enhancement, nature recovery and climate mitigation support the valued characteristics of the Kent Downs, seeking to manage, enhance, change positively so as to amplify and augment landscape character and qualities and make it more resilient and more valued for the future.

4.4 Landform and landscape character - principles

LLC1 The protection, conservation and enhancement of special characteristics and qualities, natural beauty and landscape character of the Kent Downs AONB will be supported and pursued.

LLC2 The promotion, management, restoration and appropriate creation of viewpoints will be supported.DRAFT

LLC3 The provision of co-ordinated and high-quality landscape conservation guidance will be pursued, focusing on the special characteristics and qualities, natural beauty and the landscape character of the Kent Downs AONB.

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LLC4 The prevention, detection and enforcement action against illegal and overtly damaging activities which detract from landscape character will be pursued.

LLC5 The revised Kent Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment forms an integral, interconnected, component part of the AONB Management Plan and should be used to inform proposals and land management impacting the AONB.

LLC6 The improved awareness and appreciation of all the special qualities of the Kent Downs AONB landscape and its conservation to people who influence the future of, live, work in or visit the AONB will be pursued.

LLC7 The development of strategic, long-term, landscape action and enhancement plans for areas of the Kent Downs AONB which present the greatest threats or opportunities or where natural capital enhancement, intended net gain, nature recovery, ELM or climate mitigation investments are proposed, will be pursued.

DRAFT

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5. Biodiversity

Contents Summary record of changes...... 43 Our vision ...... 43 5.1 Overview ...... 44 5.1.1 Nature in the Landscapes of the Kent Downs ...... 44 5.1.2 A rapidly changing context ...... 44 5.1.3 IUCN Category V Protected Landscape Status and nature conservation...... 45 5.1.4 The Colchester Declaration ...... 45 5.1.5 A Local Nature Partnership for Kent ...... 45 5.1.6 Kent Biodiversity Strategy ...... 45 5.1.7 The Lawton Principles ...... 45 5.1.8 Wilding ...... 46 5.2 Biodiversity - special characteristics and qualities...... 47 5.2.1 The wildlife of the Kent Downs ...... 47 5.2.2. Designated nature conservation sites ...... 51 5.3 Biodiversity - main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 52 5.4 Biodiversity - aims ...... 54 5.5 Biodiversity – principles ...... 55 DRAFT Our vision for biodiversity in the Kent Downs AONB By 2031… the distinctive nature of the Kent Downs is understood better, enjoyed, celebrated and is in favourable, resilient condition with key habitats and species flourishing. There is a far-sighted, effective nature recovery plan being implemented across the Downs, which

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recognises and responds to the substantial changes that will be experienced and is connected with a wider national nature recovery network. An ambitious approach to intended biodiversity net gain is agreed and implemented, it is achieving secure advances in biodiversity across the Kent Downs. There has been an increase in the extent and quality of key characteristic habitats and abundance of species of the Downs. People, policy and funding regimes recognise, value and support the importance of nature in the Kent Downs.

5.1 Overview

5.1.1 Nature in the Landscapes of the Kent Downs The unique landscapes and history of the Kent Downs created and contain a rich and distinctive biodiversity which contributes greatly to the natural beauty of this exceptional place, adding much of the detail which makes the Kent Downs significant, characteristic and special.

The natural vegetation of the Kent Downs is believed to have been broadleaved woodland. This would have been varied in structure and composition, with open glades and patches of grassland and heath created by fallen trees and grazing animals, and chalk grassland refugia found on exposed areas such as cliff tops. Many of the species originally contained in the wilder landscape of the Downs are now absent. The ‘wildwood’ would have been a dynamic system with varied habitats but much the woodland element has been cleared and managed over the last 6,000 years. Woodland clearance gave way to the expansion of grasslands, scrub and arable, however heavy, flint laden soils have meant that woodland clearance has been less than in many parts of Britain. The Kent Downs is a heavily wooded landscape and in many places a centuries-old landscape remains in place, nonetheless, farming and cultivation has been a significant influence on the biodiversity of the AONB.

5.1.2 A rapidly changing context While the natural heritage of the Kent Downs is characteristic, distinctive, valued and vested through millennia, the strategic and policy context for biodiversity conservation and enhancement has changed substantively. This is partly due to multiple failures to prevent biodiversity loss at a local, national and international level, at the local level monitoring has indicated declines in species abundance and biodiversity across the AONB. The 2019 State of Nature Report shows that, at a national level, the ‘UK’s wildlife loss continues unabated’ with 41% of species in decline since 1970, abundance of wildlife in decline and 15% under threat from extinction. At the same time the potential impacts and risks of climate change are now better researched and understood and the approach of the plan needs to be far sighted in its response, nature based solutions to climate change will be an important part of the tool kit.

Many of the Local Authority partners to the Kent Downs AONB have declared or recognise a Climate and in some cases Ecological Emergency; The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan gives us some idea of the ambition and direction of travel and stated clear intent for AONBs and National Parks; The Government’s Review of Designated Landscapes has been clear that thereDRAFT is much more that can be done in National Landscapes to support nature recovery and what we have now is ‘not good enough’. The AONBs and National Parks have been identified by the Government as potentially forming the key component of the UK’s commitment to protect 30% of the UK’s land for the recovery of nature by 2030 and are described as the ‘backbone’ of a national nature recovery network. The mechanisms by which the ambitions of the 25 year plan, the 30% commitment to recover nature and the Landscape (Glover) Review will be delivered are still in development.

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5.1.3 IUCN Category V Protected Landscape Status and nature conservation. The Kent Downs AONB is recognised as an International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Category V Protected Landscape. The primary objective of Category V status is, ‘To protect and sustain important landscapes/seascapes and the associated nature conservation and other values created by interactions with humans through traditional management practices.’ The conservation and enhancement of nature is a primary objective of this Plan and traditional management practices are a vital component of the methods available for the conservation of both the species and habitats of the Kent Downs. Be it in woodlands, farmed landscapes, heath or down, the integrity of the interaction between people and nature over time has produced the distinctive character and is an essential component of its future conservation and enhancement.

5.1.4 The Colchester Declaration At its national conference in July 2019, the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty jointly agreed ‘The Colchester Declaration’.

The Declaration recognises the global concern for the future of the natural world and has established a series of pledges that the AONBs will take forward if Government provides the powers and resources to do so. The principles and actions of this plan will take forward the commitments made in the Declaration.

5.1.5 A Local Nature Partnership for Kent The Natural Environment White Paper created the opportunity to develop Local Nature Partnerships to further objectives for the natural environment. The Kent Nature Partnership has a vision for the Garden of England to have a healthy natural environment that is rich in wildlife, is enjoyed and valued by all and underpins our long-term economic, social and personal wellbeing. The Kent Downs AONB partnership is represented on the Board of the Kent Nature Partnership and this plan is an important part of delivering that wider vision.

5.1.6 Kent Biodiversity Strategy The Kent Nature Partnership’s Biodiversity Strategy for Kent was published in 2020 and it is clear that most species and habitats important in the Kent Downs AONB have been recognised a significant part of the Kent Resource. This Management Plan and the Kent Biodiversity Strategy are closely aligned, within the wider context of the Colchester Declaration and national legislation.

5.1.7 The Lawton Principles The Lawton Report ‘Making Space for Nature’ draws from a wide range of evidence to review England’s wildlife and ecological network. The report reiterates that the natural world is fundamental to our wellbeing, health and economy and that priorities for action at a landscape scale should be:

1st Manage existing sites better 2nd Make DRAFTexisting sites larger 3rd Create new sites 4th Enhance connectivity 5th Create new corridors

While much emphasis is now being placed on new and larger areas for nature, landscape

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scale approaches to enhancing biodiversity, the Lawton principles promote the better management of existing sites first in most cases. In addition the contribution of many small- scale individual enhancements can help support this more overarching approach, indeed it is a critical component.

5.1.8 Wilding In recognition of the loss of biodiversity and that high input habitat management can be unsustainable and even counter-productive, there is a new emphasis on the restoration of natural processes. The ‘wilding’ approach calls for the establishment of large expanses of land set aside for nature and natural processes, connected by corridors which allow the movement of species between the larger areas. The approach encompasses terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments.

It is recommended that wilding takes place on sites of least risk first (i.e. where there is limited other value), this builds on the central idea that natural processes should be allowed to take their course, including natural succession on open habitat, fluctuations in population abundance and presence of species without deliberate intervention. This is in contrast to much conservation practice which often involves the close management of habitats to maintain them at a particular successional stage (such as grassland or heathland) in order to support a distinct array and abundance of species in ‘favourable status’. Intervention under a rewilding approach is limited to restoring missing species and missing parts of the system which allow natural processes to occur. (Definition taken from Woodland Trust position statement). The charity Rewilding Britain emphasises the ‘need to encourage a balance between people and the rest of nature where each can thrive’.

The most prominent example of wilding in southern lowland Britain is at the Knepp Estate in Sussex, in Kent more recent examples include the Wilder Blean and Wilder Nashenden projects (in the Kent Downs). The landscape generated by wilding evolves and differs from that which is described in the designation of the Kent Downs AONB and understanding of its biodiversity value is emerging and will change over time. Knepp represents wilding at a large scale, the concept of wilding can however be adopted at many different scales across urban and rural landscapes. It is expected that wilding will be an important part of a suite of tools deployed in nature recovery and climate mitigation, including in lowland Britain and in Designated Landscapes such as the Kent Downs AONB, where large scale wilding projects would create a new more natural landscape character.

Intended Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain is an approach which, in the context of new development, aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand. It is expected that the Environment Act will mandate a net gain of 10% for all new developments when granting planning permission.

This change could substantially increase the investment made available for nature in Kent and the Kent Downs. Given the significant pressures on Kent’s natural environment, land lost to, and fragmentedDRAFT by, development and urban creep, alongside the evidence that there has been major losses in Kent’s wildlife over the past century, the Kent Nature Partnership is proposing a county wide 20% net gain standard (as measured by the Natural England metric). This increased target for net gain may also enable some of the net gain investment to be targeted off site, to areas of strategic opportunity for nature recovery and low threat of future development – this places the Kent Downs as a potential strategic area for net gain

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investments. The proposed approach of the Nature Partnership is supported in principle for the Kent Downs AONB however it is recognised that this is subject to further evidence and testing and any requirement will ultimately be decided and set out individual local authorities local plans.

Nature Recovery in the Kent Downs AONB

The Environment Bill 2020 (subject to amendment after this plan is published) made commitments to recover nature through Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) and a wider Nature Recovery Network. The Protected Landscape network of National Parks and AONBs has been described by Natural England as the ‘backbone’ of the Nature Recovery Network.

In the Colchester Declaration, each AONB has committed to developing a nature recovery plan.

LNRSs are described as forming spatial strategies for nature covering the whole of England. They will support delivery of mandatory intended biodiversity net gain and provide a focus for a strengthened duty on all public authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity which are expected to be introduced by the Environment Act they will also underpin the Nature Recovery Network.

In Kent the Kent Downs AONB Unit is part of a wider partnership established to agree priorities for nature’s recovery which will map the most valuable existing habitat for nature and specific proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals. Unless the Environment Act directs a different approach, it is the intent of the AONB Unit and partnership that a Nature Recovery Plan for the AONB will be developed collaboratively and coherently with the county level strategy and as part of a wider national Nature Recovery Network, for which the AONBs and National Parks will be a key component.

5.2 Biodiversity - special characteristics and qualities

5.2.1 The wildlife of the Kent Downs The wildlife of the Kent Downs is particularly rich and distinctive, it is also varied, reflecting historic land management approaches, changes in the local climate, geology, soils and topography and its close proximity to the European continent.

In planning to recover nature in the Kent Downs AONB there is a clear need to increase the scale and pace of nature conservation activity to restore and recover habitats and species at a landscape scale.

Key species of the Downs DRAFT In Britain, there are several very rare and charismatic species largely or wholly confined to the Kent Downs. This is true of several beautiful rarities, such as the lady, monkey and late spider orchids, black veined and straw belle moths as well as rare arable field wildflowers. Other rare and threatened species occur in good numbers; for example the dormouse, the edible or Roman snail, the adder and rare arable field wild flowers along with several

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butterflies associated with downland. Many of these are recognised in Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act as species of principle importance in England. Semi-natural habitats of particular importance in the Kent Downs are also recognised in the UK list of priority habitats and in the Kent Biodiversity Strategy and the Kent Downs is recognised as containing nationally ‘Important Plant Areas’ by the charity Plantlife and large parts of the Downs are included in Buglife’s ‘Important Invertebrate Areas’.

As part of the Colchester Declaration key species conservation will be an important priority of the nature recovery efforts in the Kent Downs, which has been identified by Natural England as an area with potential ‘Species Big Wins’. Insert map

Figure 5.1 White Helleborine distribution in the Kent Downs AONB DRAFT

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Figure 5.2 White Helleborine distribution in the Kent Downs AONB

Key habitats of the Downs

Grassland Unimproved chalk downland is for many the essence of natural beauty in the Kent Downs landscape with its flower-rich, scented springy turf and profusion of insect life. Orchids and butterflies of chalk downland are symbolic of this habitat and the AONB supports populations of some of the country’s rarest chalk species. Chalk grassland is an internationally important habitat, with over half the world’s resource found in England. Although this habitat is one of the most valued features of the Kent Downs, the remaining extent of unimproved chalk grassland is less than 2% of the AONB land area (about 1500 ha or 80% of the Kent and 6% of the UK resource). For many rare species in the Kent Downs it is the warm, sunny south- facing chalk slopes which are most important.

The Kent Downs is home to other grassland habitats often overlooked and less designated; neutral grassland can be found in valley bottoms and often forms part of Local Wildlife Sites, road verges and church yards, providing flower rich areas supporting a variety of pollinators, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Where grassland is managed primarily for production or equine uses there is a tendency to overgrazing which means that potentially diverse habitats are depleted. DRAFT

Ancient woodland, chalk cliffs, foreshore and seabed platform These are important, special and characteristic habitats of the Kent Downs AONB which are covered in detail in separate sections of the plan.

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Chalk streams and wetlands Chalk streams, river corridors, winterbournes, flood plains and spring lines, together with ponds, dew ponds and small wetland areas, are the principal wetland types in the Kent Downs. Winterbournes and ponds are frequently seasonal in nature and often host characteristic species. Chalk streams are very special and highly valued with only around 200 in the world, most of which are found in the southern half of England. In the Kent Downs the Darent, Little Stour, Stour and Dour are defined as chalk streams.

Acid grassland and heaths Acid grassland and heaths on the greensand and clay plateau typically survive in parkland, common land and Chart Woods. Acid grassland can occur on clay caps near downland adding an interesting diversity to the landscape.

Species-rich hedgerows and road verges Species-rich hedgerows, headlands, ditches and road verges and the sunken lanes of the Downs are a special, diverse and distinctive feature. Often the road verges and hedges are rich in plant and animal diversity, providing important and very beautiful habitats and connectivity. Hedgerow trees are particularly striking in the landscape and, in combination with the hedge, provide important ecological connectivity.

Farmland habitats Farmland habitats and species adapted to traditional mixed farming practices; in particular the Kent Downs supports a nationally important site for arable weed communities – supporting some of the UK’s most threatened native plant species and farmland birds. More generally farmed parts of the landscape are capable of supporting a much wider diversity of nature and intensive farming practices have been responsible for the loss of significant amounts of biodiversity

Wood pasture and parkland There is a strong legacy of parkland and wood pasture in the AONB where there are often large, open-grown and veteran trees which are special features in their own right. Trees outside woodlands are particularly threatened and important part of the beauty and ecology of the landscape of the Downs.

Traditional orchards The Kent Downs landscape is strongly associated with fruit growing, with orchards making a significant contribution to the local distinctiveness of parts of the Downs. The terms ‘traditional’ or ‘old’ orchard, usually refer to orchards of apples, pears, plums and, in the Downs, cherries with large, widely spaced fruit trees, traditionally with grazed grassland below; traditional Kentish Cobnut platts are important and distinctive, particularly in the western portion of the AONB. DRAFT

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Figure 5.3 Traditional Orchards in Kent

5.2.2. Designated nature conservation sites

A number of the most important nature conservation sites in the Kent Downs are legally protected and managed primarily for their biodiversity value. There are 38 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in the Kent Downs AONB covering some 4420 Ha, of these the following sites are of international importance and were protected under the European Union’s Habitats Directive as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and now form part of the UK legal framework following the UK’s exit from the EU:

• Folkestone to Etchinghill Escarpment • Wye and Crundale Downs, National Nature Reserve • Queendown Warren, Local Nature Reserve • Lydden and Temple Ewell, National Nature Reserve (on the AONB boundary) • Park Gate Down • Dover to Kingsdown Cliffs (the only SAC for the maritime chalk cliff features in the country) • North Downs woodlands. The scarp slopes of the Medway Valley are designated for internationallyDRAFT important beech-yew woodland communities.

Management of these important sites rests largely with Government and public bodies, and specialist conservation organisations. However a number of key sites are in private ownership, such as parts of the Folkestone and Etchinghill escarpment owned by Eurotunnel, and the Medway Valley escarpment by Lafarge or Trenport Holdings.

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Of recognised county level importance the Local Wildlife Site network is also critical in conservation of the landscape and wildlife and is felt to be at increasing risk; research by the Kent Nature Partnership showed limited reference to Local Wildlife Sites and Biodiversity Opportunity Areas in Local Plans despite the importance of these sites is recognised in the Natural Environment White Paper and Lawton review. In total Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) cover some 16% of the AONB.

Figure 5.4 Nature Conservation Sites in the Kent Downs AONB

5.3 Biodiversity - main issues, opportunities and threats

Despite the extent of recognised and recorded nature conservation sites in the AONB some are losing species and condition, elsewhere habitat loss and change, alien species, pests and disease and the impact of climate change are damaging and degrading the biodiversity of the Kent Downs. Many important plant and animal species depend on suitable long-term management of appropriate habitats in the wider countryside. DRAFT In the context of continued biodiversity loss and while a wide range of national and local policy development is live there is an opportunity for the Kent Downs AONB partnership to influence policy development so as to benefit the characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs.

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a. Growth and an increasing population along with increased public access to sensitive sites have been identified by site managers as a key issue in maintaining the quality of special habitats. This is in part a ‘problem’ of the successful promotion of access to nature and creates the opportunity to create new, less sensitive places for people and nature and to reduce pressure on the most sensitive sites and species. Such an approach can be an important part of achieving intended biodiversity net gain. b. Habitat fragmentation, damage from intensive agriculture, introduction of invasive species, decline, damage, and loss are recognised as issues across Kent Downs habitats. In response there is the opportunity to manage, extend and connect existing priority protected and designated sites and habitats as well as promote sustainable farming, create new habitat and areas of wilding as a critical step to conserve and enhance biodiversity and generating high quality Green Infrastructure for Kent in which the Kent Downs could play a focal role. Examples of new habitat creation, for instance from green hay from chalk grassland, show how positive changes can be achieved over time and with consistent intervention. The Kent Downs has been identified as a key area for enhancement for pollinators and is mapped as a ‘B line’ by Buglife, the Downs can also make an important contribution to Kent’s Plan Bee. c. Great uncertainty prevails over the livestock industry. A lack of grazing livestock or poor returns from managing remaining areas of semi-natural grassland, and other traditionally grazed habitats important in the Kent Downs (particularly small, inaccessible or unprotected sites) means that often the most effective and landscape appropriate way of securing the established wildlife interest as well as landscape quality (by grazing) is increasingly uncertain. d. There is a general lack of awareness and understanding of the biodiversity resource and its designations; trends in biodiversity; the value of the nature of the Kent Downs and how it contributes to landscape condition, carbon sequestration, the quality of life, health and wellbeing and the economy is combined with an associated lack of funding and support for management. The Colchester Declaration promotes the restoration of nature if sufficient resources are made available. e. Need to provide accessible and well-managed sites with easy access from urban areas to provide contact with nature, health and wellbeing benefits, as well as to reduce pressure on existing particularly sensitive sites is seen as an important opportunity particularly for the new Environmental Land Management Systems. f. Need to respond to the repeated failure to meet UK Biodiversity targets (2010/ 2020*) and the opportunity for the Kent Downs AONB to make a significant local contribution to meet future targets.

JNCC report g. Kent Downs landscape is sensitive to changes in climate, pollution and to more abrupt changes caused by extreme weather events; both are predicted. The UK and Kent Climate ChangeDRAFT Risk Assessments identify key risks to Kent Downs biodiversity. At the same time the ability of each habitat to sequester carbon has been identified and could be an opportunity to link habitat creation to climate change mitigation; the so called ‘nature based’ solutions which will achieve multiple benefits for the public good.

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h. The opportunity to develop significant collaborative partnerships and large-scale investment areas to secure intended net gain funding and to help meet biodiversity objectives of the plan. i. In the light of new approaches to nature conservation such as wilding and intended net gain; there is an opportunity to create new and valued habitats and landscape character at a large scale, reflecting what exists and is valued but also resilient for the future increasing the abundance of nature in the Kent Downs. At the same time a significant risk exists for the loss of sites where previous environment schemes have achieved significant gains. j. New crops (such as vines) and cropping patterns (such as zero tillage, agro-forestry and regenerative agriculture) create both challenges and opportunities for biodiversity landscapes of the Kent Downs. k. In the context of the recent departure of the UK from the EU there remains considerable uncertainty covering wildlife regulations and payments for the enhancement of nature.

5.4 Biodiversity - aims

A landscape in which:

1. The rich diversity of natural features, wild animals, plants and habitats are recognised, conserved, enhanced and positively managed so that the extent and condition of key habitats is enhanced and the pace and scale of nature conservation is accelerated in a way that allows both rare and characteristic species to flourish and to be resilient to future change.

2. A functionally connected nature recovery network of well-managed, functioning, wilder and connected sites of biodiversity importance covers the Kent Downs. These provide habitats for locally typical and rare species and communities, places for people to connect with nature and the essential building block to achieve functional, resilient ecological networks.

3. Rare species confined to the Kent Downs are conserved and increased and distinctive and characteristic species of the Kent Downs which are more common and widespread flourish due to careful and sensitive management.

4. Comprehensive and easily accessible data informs and influences land management and development decisions and monitors changes to biodiversity.

5. The natural heritage and wildlife is recognised for its inherent value for contributing to the landscape character, nature based solutions to climate impacts, quality of life and the economic value of the Kent Downs.

6. CollaborativeDRAFT management at a landscape scale secures significant enhancement to the habitats and species, of the Kent Downs, improves resilience as a local response to the national and international challenges to biodiversity.

7. At least 75% if the 38 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Local Wildlife Sites in public or protective ownership in the Kent Downs are restored to favourable

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condition by 2030.

5.5 Biodiversity – principles

BD1 Creation of new habitats, wilding and connecting habitat corridors will be pursued, informed by the Lawton principles, landscape character, the needs for new recreation, the needs for resilience and the threats to existing habitats and species. Delivery will be through collaboration to establish resilient, functional ecological nature recovery networks and high-quality green infrastructure.

BD2 Local, regional and national biodiversity targets and spatial priorities for habitats and species distinctive to the Kent Downs will be supported; a role for Kent Downs AONB landscape and partnership in delivering a wider Nature Recovery Network, the Kent Biodiversity Strategy and Colchester Declaration will be defined and delivered.

BD3 Targeting of advice, grants and agreements to reduce fragmentation and enhance the biodiversity of the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued.

BD4 The collection, promotion and sharing of information on land cover, designated wildlife sites, habitats and species to assist in effective biodiversity and landscape character management and monitoring will be supported.

BD5 The protection, conservation, enhancement and extension of Kent Downs AONB priority and distinctive habitats and species will be pursued; the Biodiversity Duty of Regard will be actively promoted.

BD6 The generation of sustainable markets for the products of sensitively managed UK Priority Habitats characteristic to the Kent Downs AONB will be supported.

BD7 The Kent Downs AONB Partnership will be active in seeking to secure the best outcome for the biodiversity of the Kent Downs from the changing national policy framework.

BD8 Generating a greater connection between people and nature will be pursued at the same time as dispersal of visitor pressure from sensitive wildlife sites where the biodiversity interest is at threat.

BD9 The opportunities presented by intended Biodiversity Net Gain and other legislative changes are secured in the Kent Downs AONB in a way that support the vision, aims and principles of the Management Plan. Development permitted in the Kent Downs will secure 20% biodiversity net gain subject to further evidence and testing; any requirement will ultimately be decided and set out individual local authorities’ local plans.

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6. Farmed landscape

Contents Summary record of changes ...... 56 Our vision ...... 56 6.1 Overview and context ...... 57 Farm tenure and farming type in the Kent Downs ...... 57 Changing financial signals to farmers...... 58 Livestock farming in the Kent Downs ...... 59 Arable agriculture ...... 60 6.2 Farmed landscape - special characteristics and qualities ...... 65 A mixed farm landscape ...... 66 6.3 Farmed landscape - main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 66 6.4 Farmed landscape – aims ...... 68 6.5 Farmed landscape - principles ...... 68

Our vision for the farmed landscape of the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the Kent Downs AONB is a place where agriculture takes and is appreciated for a pivotal role in the conservation of natural beauty and landscape qualities and character of the Kent Downs. Sustainable farming is the predominant land-use of the AONB and the heritage of mixed farming is retained in a contemporary context, supporting and enhancing landscape character, soils health, nature and is an important part of the Kent Downs contribution to achieving net zero carbon emissions. There is a greater public understanding of the roles of farming and more opportunities to gain carefully managed access to farmed landscape and to understand farming systems. Despite the changing context a broad range of crops are sustainably produced and are suited to the increasing extremes of climate, local conditions and market forces as well as the landscape. Naturally diverse permanent grasslands are well managed and orchards, plats and hop gardens retain an important place in the landscape.DRAFT The flourishing number of vineyards are managed in a way that conserves

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the characteristics and qualities of the AONB. The high-quality products of the Kent Downs are commercially successful and high environmental quality is a market advantage.

6.1 Overview and context The Kent Downs AONB is principally a farmed landscape, with around 64% of its land classed as agricultural. Centuries of changing farming practices have shaped the landscape to create an important part of the natural beauty which is celebrated today. Historically the range of soil types of the Kent Downs has supported mixed farming practices where arable crop production has co-existed with livestock grazing and horticulture. The patchwork of land-use created by mixed farming is also vital for many valued plant and animal species associated with farmland. The farmed landscape is much valued for the access afforded along public rights of way, permissive paths and open access land.

Departure from the European Union is expected to be the most significant change to the context for farmers and land managers in the Kent Downs, since the UK joined the European Community in 1972. This management plan will operate during a period of substantial change in the farming economy. The intended direction of travel has been signalled in the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan the Agriculture Act (2020) and Environment Bill but agriculture is operating in an increasingly uncertain and volatile environment.

Farm tenure and farming type in the Kent Downs Figure 6.1 indicates that the Kent Downs AONB continues to be a landscape of mixed agricultural use. There has been a reduction in overall farmland area as well as a rationalisation of farming practice. This data originates from Defra, Geographical breakdowns are only available in the years that correspond to the EU Farm Structure Survey, next updates expected early 2021 which will be inserted if available.

% of Farmed 1961 1972 1990 1999 2007 2008 2009 2010 2013 2016 Land cover Arable 53 64 58 55 50 54 55 54 52 54 Grassland 37 27 35 30 34 35 34 34 35 32 Grassland with 0 0 1 9 Data not available scrub Orchards and 7 6 4 4 2 3 2 2 2 2 hops Parkland 3 3 2 3 Data not available Area of Farmed 64,227 64,925 64,141 64,546 60,836 57,833 57,213 55,797 55,477 58,132 Land (ha) Figure 6.1 Farm Cover in the Kent Downs AONB

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Figure 6.2 shows an increase in the changing nature of farm holdings in the Kent Downs, this picture is expected to change still further in the plan period. There has been a move to larger ‘contract’ farming and cooperative farming ventures, especially on the most productive land in order to achieve economies of scale, this can lead to larger fields to accommodate larger machinery and to crop rotations on a whole farm rather than field scale. The move to larger scale farming shown in Figure 6.2, can also lead to monocultures over large areas which

700 600 500 2016 400 2013 300 2007 200 2008 2010 100 2009 2010 2009 0 2013 <5 2016 2008 5 <20 20 < 50 50 >=100 2007 <100

Farm Size in hectares (number of farms)

Figure 6.2 Farm Size in the Kent Downs AONB consequently leads to lack of mosaic and therefore reduced opportunity for natural biodiversity, and increasing fragmentation of natural biodiverse pathways.

When medium sized farms are absorbed into larger holdings, farmhouses and buildings can be sold off with small holdings or to ‘amenity’ farmers and landowners who are not reliant on agriculture as a main income. The general setting and relationship between buildings in farmsteads and immediate landscape around farm buildings is becoming more ‘suburbanised’. The separation of farm holdings and farm cottages and the increasing price of housing effectively prices agricultural workers out of the rural housing market.

An increasing focus for farm business is to enhance the skill base or human resource so that farm enterprises can remain viable, resilient and effective; operating sustainably with a strong knowledge base that encompasses the wide context that farming now operates within. At the same time the automation of elements farming means that low skilled work is less likely to be available.

Changing financial signals to farmers. Since WWII early government policy and incentives encouraged increased food production. Farm businesses responded by adopting new crops, technologies and practices, which have seen a markedDRAFT increase in crop production and efficiency of scale. In some cases, the cost has been the loss of landscape quality, biodiversity and historic features that have been part of the mixed farming landscape for centuries; elsewhere farmers have chosen to conserve and enhance the landscape at the same time as increasing productivity.

Where there has been removal of hedgerows, woodlands and field margins, deep ploughing

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of grassland and drainage of wetlands, as well as the intensive use of pesticides and inorganic fertilisers the result is sometimes sterile farmscapes with little wildlife or reduced landscape interest, and damaged soils, albeit this form of agriculture is highly productive.

More recently the agricultural economy has been subject both to the removal of production- based subsidy and to increasing volatility driven by global markets and climatic fluctuations affecting both produce value and production costs. These pressures require farmers to make increasingly market led decisions and to use up to date methods to retain competitive advantage, reduce risk and add financial and environmental resilience. At the same time public opinion and Government policy has strengthened in favour of environmentally sensitive farming that produces high-quality food with less cost on the public purse.

The departure of the UK from the EU brings with it potentially significant changes and challenges and substantial amounts of uncertainty. The signals from Government through the Agriculture Act and Environment Bill indicate that future public financial support for agriculture will be focused on ‘the public good’; this will include new access opportunities; enhancement of water, soil and air, investments in nature recovery and in landscape beauty, so called ecosystems services. The details of the new Environmental Land Management systems will be piloted and implemented during the plan period and the Kent Downs AONB Unit will be delivering a ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ programme.

Livestock farming in the Kent Downs Sheep and beef cattle play an important part in the AONB land-based economy and form an important part of the mixed farming landscape. There has been a continued decline in livestock numbers (particularly sheep which have nearly halved in number since 1990). Grazing is important to retain the special character of the AONB particularly in permanent semi natural grasslands. Grazing animals are linked to greenhouse gas emissions and there is a focus on reducing meat consumption as part of the response to climate change; in this context it is important to note that low intensity grazing on natural sites has a much lower greenhouse gas footprint than many other sources of beef and lamb. The decline in livestock numbers is expected to continue following the UK exit from the EU the High Weald AONB has researched opportunities to redress the change (Restocking the High Weald report) – many of the proposals are applicable to the Kent Downs.

There are multiple pressures faced by livestock enterprises. The loss of grazing livestock and skilled graziers due to the poor economics of grazing, has led to areas of grassland that were previously grazed, falling out of use only to be ploughed up for crops, planted with trees, converted to leisure use or scrubbed over through abandonment, indeed research by the University of Sheffield (2020) shows that tree planting may become more financially viable than sheep farming. At the same time the role of sustainably managed livestock in improving soil quality is increasingly understood and there is a potential that rotational agriculture may increase in response to soil degradation.

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Figure 6.3 Sheep numbers in the Kent Downs AONB

Horses are an increasingly common grazing animal in the AONB; equine management is classed as leisure rather than and agricultural use. Equine activities play an important role in the AONB land-based economy and can provide a market for local farm produce for feed and bedding for instance. If managed in a sustainable and sympathetic manner, horse grazing can make a positive contribution to the management of the pastoral quality of the AONB’s natural beauty. However examples of good practice can be difficult to find and the impacts of growth in equine enterprises have tended to detract from the Kent Downs landscape character, creating subdivided paddocks, new structures, overgrazing, lighting and ménages. Good practice guidance has been published for the management of land for horses in the Kent Downs AONB.

Arable agriculture Part of the mixed farm picture of the Kent Downs landscape arable agriculture is an important economic component of the Kent Downs. Key crops include wheat, oil seed rape and barley. There is an unusually high amount of grade 2 and 3 agricultural soils in the AONB, when compared with other Protected Landscapes, making arable agriculture viable with parts of the AONB being a focus for production based agriculture. Arable crops are undifferentiated commodities with generally little opportunity to add value in the farm enterprise and local economy. Like many types of agriculture, arable farming is increasingly driven by technological innovation which can lead to the simplification of crop rotations and field patterns but can also drive greater precision and efficiency. At the same time the role of minimal or no tillage farming in improving soil quality is increasingly understood and there is a potential thatDRAFT this form of cultivation as well as other regenerative agricultural practice may increase in response to soil degradation and climate change mitigation and resilience.

Arable field wild-flowers are amongst the most threatened groups of plants in the UK. Some of the arable farmland of the Kent Downs include some of the most valuable sites for these

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plants in Britain, notably Ranscombe Farm nature reserve. The Kent Downs offers the potential to enhance the abundance of these most threatened plants

Figure 6.1 Agricultural land classification in Kent

Orchards and Fruit Traditional orchards of large trees with understorey grazing are much valued in the landscape and rich in wildlife however they are difficult and uneconomic to manage and many have been grubbed or replaced by more productive and labour-efficient, safer, smaller fruit trees grown in closely spaced rows. Their greater uniformity and more intensive management have reduced the associated wildlife and landscape value of these orchards. They do, however, provide a modern and important link to a valued historic landscape; orchards can be important for biodiversity, carbon storage and the local economy.

Other horticultural activities add variety and interest to the AONB landscape. For example, lavender, as a crop for essential oils has replaced a number of hop gardens, and a rapidly increasing number of vineyards have been planted adding a new hue to the AONB scenery. A further locally distinct landscape feature is the production of cobnuts in the south east corner of the Greensand Ridge, centred around Platt and Plaxtol (a cobnut orchard being called a plat) DRAFT

The area of orchards and hop gardens in the AONB has decreased by nearly 50% since 1961 (70% nationally). There has however been a recent upturn in orchard planting including walnuts and new fruit varieties such as apricots which could increase significantly if the predicted climate changes take place. Additionally, the use of polytunnels has increased slightly.

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Vineyards are a rapidly increasing component of fruit growing in the Kent Downs Vineyards are often located in prominent positions in the landscape and by their nature tend to be highly visible. Viticulture is a high value, high profile activity, generating relatively high levels of employment when compared with other agricultural uses. Careful vineyard management can present opportunities to create new areas of flower-rich grasslands and species rich hedgerows, however there are often development pressures associated with viticulture, including the establishment of wineries, visitor centres, wire works and provision for workers which can be landscape detractors. The Kent Downs AONB Unit has led a Test and Trial researching best practice in vineyards for Defra’s Environmental Land Management scheme; the recommendations will be promoted in the AONB and amongst other National Landscapes.

Figure 6.2 Vineyards in the Kent Downs AONB (will be updated in final plan)

While currently covering a small area of the AONB the use of polytunnels and glass houses is anticipated to continue increasing (together with the associated transport and storage infrastructure) in order to meet the needs of post EU exit fresh food supply, quality standards and a longer season as required by customers. Polytunnels can be significant detractors from landscapeDRAFT character and qualities in the Kent Downs and in its setting, poly tunnels and glass houses can create high demands for water and create drainage problems. Poly tunnels are temporary developments and often now use hydroponics meaning that their location is no longer connected to soil type, meaning that less sensitive locations can be chosen. As temporary developments decommissioning strategies should be established and enforced. The horticultural sector is a small but often prominent feature in the AONB landscape and significant to the rural economy. Link to guidance

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Agriculture and Climate Change Climate change adds a further powerful influence with agriculture having an important role both in adapting to the changes already in train and mitigating further impacts. The IPCC Special report on Climate Change and Land (2019) brings a special focus on the place land management and agriculture has in responding to climate change. Agriculture has been a significant net contributor to carbon, methane and nitrous oxide emissions globally, at the same time agriculture is extremely sensitive to climate change impacts, in particular changing weather patterns and increasing extremes in weather events.

The IPCC report emphasises that most land-related responses that contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation also combat land degradation and enhance food security, as well as contributing to sustainable development and other societal goals, so called ‘co- benefits’. The Committee on Climate Change report on land use (2020) promotes low carbon farming techniques, a reduction in the most carbon intensive products, more tree planting and increasing agro-forestry and further increases in bioenergy crops.

The National Farmer’s Union (NFU) and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have both recognised the important risks of climate change and role that farming has in response. The NFU have published a plan to meet net zero carbon from agriculture by 2040 which includes increasing efficiency, enhancing carbon storage in soils and woodlands and coupling bioenergy with carbon capture. Other approaches where agriculture can have an important mitigating effect as well as engendering adaptation include evolving agricultural systems including supporting nature-based solutions to climate change and carbon management, regenerative agriculture and agro-forestry.

There is an important role for agriculture in Kent Downs to adapt to and mitigate the urgent climate impacts.

Farmsteads and Historic farm buildings Historic farm buildings are an important cultural part of the landscape and are the category of historic building most at risk; farmstead guidance prepared by the Kent Downs AONB Unit in partnership with English Heritage and Kent County Council seeks to secure this important special characteristic in the Kent Downs.

Agri-environment schemes and Environmental Land Management The public farm payment arrangements are critical to the management of the Kent Downs landscape with agri-environment and cross compliance schemes having made an important contribution to landscape conservation.

Since its inception in 1991, the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) which was followed by the Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ESS) and subsequently the current Countryside Stewardship (CS) have brought positive changes to the landscape, wildlife and historic features of the AONB and continue to do so. Such schemes have achieved significant enhancements to the landscapes of the Kent Downs, 39,699ha (45%) of the AONB (this equates to 74%DRAFT of the utilisable agricultural area) is managed under agri-environment schemes, 262 agreements are in place. This includes 5,538ha of managed grassland with 487ha with public access payments. 734ha of unimproved chalk grassland and 250ha of semi improved chalk grassland.

The eastern part of the Kent Downs AONB has been the focus of a 20-year programme

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which has applied Countryside Stewardship payments to deliver landscape scale conservation in the farmed environment. A consistent 1:1 approach of advice and support in five focused areas of 50-80km2 and to groups of 12 to 20 farmers has created large areas of restored and recreated grassland. The figures and outcomes are impressive with over 900Ha of arable and species poor grassland now converted to wild-flower rich meadows 300Ha of which have been sown with native, local wildflower mixes.

The exit of the UK from the EU brings with it an opportunity to look again at how public funding supports farming and land management to enhance landscapes, improve access and respond to the climate emergency and take part in nature recovery. The Environmental Land Management systems are being tested and co-designed with farmers and land managers and pilots of a new scheme which will use public money for public good will run in the mid-term of the plan period and the Farming in Protected Landscapes Scheme will be established. Much remains to be defined but the ‘public goods’ have been clearly signalled by the 25 Year Environment Plan and the AONB Unit has run three tests and trials for Defra.

Collaborative approaches to farming and the landscape Research and pilots in various Nature Improvement Areas, such as the Marlborough and South Downs add to the east Kent work led by Natural England and show the greater potential for landscape and biodiversity gain from wide collaborative management across farm holdings (clusters) rather than at a single farm holding level. This approach can address the issues of managing ecosystem services and seeking payment for them. Given future natural resource management issues and the importance of the farmed landscape to the natural beauty of the Kent Downs, a wide collaborative approach to farming and landscape could form an innovative future approach to landscape management in the Kent Downs. Farmer cooperation is an important theme in the developing Environmental Land Management approach.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and catchment sensitive farming An important part of the AONB is covered by Nitrate Vulnerable Zone s(NVZ). The NVZ programme aims to reduce nitrate pollution in water through regulation of how and when nitrogen is applied to land, the management and storage of manure and the use of cover crops. Farmers in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone are required to follow mandatory rules to tackle nitrate loss from agriculture, Countryside Stewardship schemes target areas of the Kent Downs AONB to assist with the management of the water environment.

Catchment Sensitive farming advice (provided by Natural England and Commercial Water Companies) looks to address the diffuse water pollution from agriculture at source, pathway and receptor sites. It provides both 1-2-1 advice and farm cluster workshop and training events for farmers and looks to collaborate, negotiate and influence in a well-informed way to achieve pragmatic outcomes. Relevant to this is the ban on Metaldehyde for outdoor use in agriculture and the recent Farming Rules for Water legislation which protects water from runoff (soil, fertiliser and manures); this has 8 rules based around assessing risk and taking the appropriate steps to avoid or mitigate. DRAFT

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Figure 6.3 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

Farm Diversification Activity Farms have been diversifying their businesses for many years; this provides a way to increase returns for the enterprise, stabilise incomes and utilise farm resources effectively. Farm diversification can be carried out in a way which supports the wide objectives of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan. Equally diversification, for instance to some renewable energy technologies or intrusive leisure activities can run counter to the characteristics and qualities which are valued. The Kent Downs AONB partnership promotes an integrated approach to farm diversification, balancing business, planning and environmental issues when considering diversification proposals.

Access and Understanding Access to the farmed landscape is much valued and important for health and well-being; at the same time the negative impact of access on farm enterprises is an increasing concern of farmers and farm managers. In the context of new arrangements for farm payments carefully managed access could form a diversification opportunity at the same time as providing public good and managing and mitigating impacts on the farm enterprise. The findings of the Kent Downs access Test and Trial clearly set out exciting opportunities to overcome the barriers to access for DRAFTmore and more diverse people in a way that can benefit farmers and land managers.

6.2 Farmed landscape - special characteristics and qualities

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A mixed farm landscape

Kent Downs farmland is characterised by a tradition of mixed farming, with arable crops and grasslands, occasional orchards and platts set among a lattice of ancient woodland, hedgerows, copses and individual in field and hedgerow trees.

A key part of this mixed farm landscape, arable agriculture has always been an important part of the character of this landscape. The area of arable land has fluctuated only slightly over the 50 years since designation. The seasonally changing colours and hues of arable agriculture and grassland typify the rich heritage of mixed farming. The Kent Downs are particularly notable for rare species associated with arable agriculture particularly the rare wildflowers found on reserves such as Ranscombe Farm and farmland birds.

Pastoral landscapes are a particularly valued component of the Kent Downs; permanent, flower rich grassland, including neutral grassland in some valley bottoms, grazed flood meadows but most notably chalk grassland found often on the dramatic chalk scarps and on ‘shaves’ in the dry valleys. In many cases the chalk grassland is of International importance for its wildlife. More productive grasslands, sometimes form part of farm rotations.

Orchards and horticulture play an important part in the special character of the AONB landscape, the regular striate form enhancing the rise and fall of the land. Teynham (just north of the AONB) became the site of the first ‘mother’ nursery for commercial fruit orchards in England in the days of Henry VIII, and there is still a concentration of top and stone fruit (tree fruit) and hop growing along the northern fringes of the Mid Kent Downs. In the Kent Downs it is the traditional cherry orchards which are particularly distinctive.

The Kent Downs AONB has, along with the South Downs National Park and Surrey Hills AONB, has become the target for increasingly confident and capable English wine growing and production. There has been a rapid expansion of vineyard areas in the AONB have been planted with vineyards since the publication of the last AONB Management Plan; subject to market conditions this is expected to continue to grow at a rapid rate and is creating a new character. Studies (2020, 2021) prepared by the Kent Downs AONB Unit and South Downs National Park Authority into the impacts and opportunities arising from viticulture conducted in the Kent Downs, Surrey Hills AONBs and the South Downs National Park clearly demonstrate both the potential impacts of viticulture on the landscape and how to draw public good benefits from viticulture as well as other row fruit growing.

6.3 Farmed landscape - main issues, opportunities and threats a. Need to balance viable, resilient and competitive farming enterprises with the need for sensitive environmental management in a landscape of national importance. b. Decline in farmland area of the Kent Downs, grazing livestock enterprises and loss of skilled graziers. c. SubstantialDRAFT uncertainty about the farming and land management economy and its wider context driven by volatility in agricultural commodity prices (both scale and speed), the impact of trade negotiations and future public payment arrangements post EU exit. d. Uncertainty and limited funding for agri-environment (Environmental Land

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Management) schemes and the incentives they offer, particularly in the face of rising farm gate prices, along with the ending of long run Stewardship schemes. This issue is counter balanced by the considerable opportunities to enhance farming’s role in responding to climate change, delivering nature recovery and new access opportunities as well as other ‘public goods’ identified by ELMs. e. Ploughing of permanent grassland and previous stewardship land as a response to uncertainty about the future farm payment environment is an identified risk. f. Changes in landholdings and land management practice. Loss or amalgamation of medium-sized mixed farms and growth of large units with ‘share’ or ‘contract’ farming often with an associated loss of crop diversity and establishment of small farming units/residential or leisure owners, where farming is not the main source of income and experience and continuity of land management are not guaranteed. g. Rationalisation of the farming system and loss of the mixed farming landscape, diversity and distinctiveness and selling off of farmhouse and buildings/cottages from the farmland estate; separating land and accommodation changing the character and landscape setting of former farmhouses; estate cottages and farm buildings. h. Given the relatively high proportion of grade 2 and 3 land there is a need to encourage investment in landscape character management in areas of ‘productive’ agriculture. i. Farm diversification and development activities such as increased equine facilities, permitted rights afforded to farm building conversions, shooting and field sports, alternative crops (e.g. lavender, biomass energy crops, vineyards) and non- agricultural enterprises (e.g. self-catering cottages, glamping and new uses for traditional farm buildings) can have important detracting impacts as well as benefits to the characteristics, qualities, and rural economy of the Kent Downs. j. Increasing use of polytunnels to provide high quality, low ‘food mile’ soft and stone fruit and other high value produce but can be important detractors from the landscape. k. The need to manage adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change in a way that supports landscape character and qualities; for instance promote low carbon farming, soil restoration, regenerative agriculture, agro-forestry, natural flood management, sensitive water storage sensitive design in new agricultural buildings. l. The opportunity to develop a wide collaborative approach to farmland management in the Kent Downs and build on the long-term strategic approaches and to create a nature recovery network in the Kent Downs. m. Lack of public awareness of the links between food and farming and land-based activities,DRAFT environmental issues, landscape conservation and management is combined with an increasing wish for access to land and the opportunity presented by the development of the ELMs to radically change this position and manage the impacts of access in a positive way. n. Historic farm buildings are the category of historic building identified as being most at risk and the historic character of farmsteads is being lost.

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o. Rural crime and antisocial behaviour are an important cost to farm economies making it harder for farmers and land managers to accept further access or manage land sensitively and can make the landscape feel unmanaged and unwelcoming to the public.

6.4 Farmed landscape – aims

The Kent Downs remains principally a farmed landscape where the character and qualities of the landscape are supported by strong, viable, resilient and sustainable farming enterprises and where:

1. Public payments support the objectives of the AONB management plan which forms the strategic framework for Environmental Land Management. The conservation of landscape character and diversity, the restoration and enhancement of wildlife habitats, the conservation of historic and cultural features, responses to climate change and the welcoming of people to enjoy the landscape, are all integrated and complementary activities to contemporary, competitive, sustainable and resilient farming.

2. The mixed farming landscape is promoted in a modern collaborative context and at a landscape scale; the benefits of previous public investment in agri-environment and former set aside schemes are retained and good and innovative land management practice which supports and enhances the ecosystem services of the AONB is encouraged to all agricultural enterprises, farm owners and managers.

3. Farm diversification and development activities conserve and strengthen landscape character, qualities and local distinctiveness.

4. Locally produced, high-quality and sustainably produced food is available and environmental quality is a market advantage.

5. There is heightened awareness and understanding by residents and AONB visitors of the importance and fundamental role played by farming, and the connection between landscape conservation, environmentally responsible farming and high-quality food are appreciated by all people.

6.5 Farmed landscape - principles

FL1 The Kent Downs AONB will retain the mixed farming character for which it is valued.

FL2 The targeting of public agricultural payments to make a positive, landscape scale contribution to conserving and enhancing the special characteristics, qualities and landscape character of the Kent Downs AONB and supporting ecosystems services and public wellbeing will be pursued using the AONB Management Plan as the strategicDRAFT framework.

FL3 Farming practices that improve the Kent Downs AONB landscape character and qualities, or mitigate damaging impacts, will be supported and pursued through guidance.

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FL4 The use of integrated whole farm and farm cluster planning which includes a business planning, landscape, heritage, biodiversity and habitat assessments and supports ecosystems services will be pursued.

FL5 Farm diversification activities will be supported if they help achieve the vision, aims and principles of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan.

FL6 The production, supply and marketing of Kent Downs AONB produce derived from environmentally sensitive management will be encouraged and supported.

FL7 Proposals for conversion from agricultural land to leisure use and the creation of both agricultural and non-agricultural structures must demonstrate that there will be no individual or cumulative negative impact on the landscape character and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB.

FL8 A collaborative, long term ‘cluster farm’ approach to achieving the farmed landscape objectives of the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued.

FL9 To meet the green house gas targets for the Kent Downs AONB the adoption of new and modified farming approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation and soil enhancement that produce co-benefits for landscape and biodiversity will be supported where they support the character and qualities of the Kent Downs.

FL10 Activities will be supported that increase wider public understanding of farming and the benefits that the farmed landscape can bring for high quality food production, recreation, well-being, nature conservation, the historic environment, landscape and a buoyant rural economy will be supported.

DRAFT

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7. Woodland and trees

Contents Summary record of changes ...... 71 Our vision ...... 71 7 Overview ...... 72 7.1 Ancient woodland...... 73 7.2 Tree pests and diseases ...... 73 7.3 Coppice woodlands ...... 74 7.4 Shooting in woodlands ...... 75 7.5 Climate change, trees and woodlands ...... 75 7.6 Forestry and woodland in public ownership ...... 76 7.7 Health and wellbeing from trees and woodlands ...... 76 7.8 The canopy approach ...... 76 7.9 A Tree Champion and Tree Strategy...... 76 8 Woodland and trees - special characteristics and qualities ...... 76 7.2 Woodland and trees - main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 77 7.3 Woodland and trees – aims which support the sustainable management of woodlands and trees ...... 79 7.4 Woodland and trees - principles that support the sustainable management of woodlands and trees ...... 79

Our vision for woodland and trees in the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the characteristic Kent Downs network of woodland and trees is greater in extent and is conservedDRAFT and enhanced for its landscape, wildlife and historic value as well as its

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vital role in mitigating climate change and supporting nature recovery. Sustainably managed woodlands and trees are resilient to stressors such as pests, disease, visitor pressure and climate change, they provide inherent mitigation and adaption to that change. Buoyant markets for woodland products support the productive, sustainable management of trees and woodlands; new woodland and tree establishment; high quality multi-functional management provides well-used places for leisure and recreation, health and wellbeing and are rich in characteristic wildlife.

7. Overview The Kent Downs AONB is one of Britain’s most wooded landscapes and it contains a nationally significant amount of ancient woodland. The woodland component of the landscape has its roots in the often poor clay with flints soils on valley sides or steep slopes which are difficult to farm, woodlands have been retained in some of the sporting estates. Woodland covers around 23% of the AONB and is the second largest land-use after farming, tree canopy cover which includes trees outside woodlands in the Kent Downs.

Difference between England National Forest Inventory Map 2012 & England NFI Map 2018 (source: Forestry Commission 2020) Gained 2012- Interpreted Forest Types 2018 (ha) Lost 2012-2018 (ha) Net (ha) Assumed woodland 4.40 1.69 2.71 Broadleaved 82.48 40.02 42.46 Conifer 10.58 2.22 8.36 Coppice 3.40 0.00 3.40 Felled 0.64 0.00 0.64 Ground prep 1.11 1.59 -0.48 Low density 3.13 0.00 3.13 Mixed mainly broadleaved 1.07 0.00 1.07 Mixed mainly conifer 1.13 0.81 0.32 Young trees 19.91 11.76 8.15 Woodland 127.86 58.09 69.76

The highest woodland concentrations in the AONB are found on the Greensand Ridge between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge; along the chalk escarpment in West Kent; in large blocks in the mid Kent Downs; above the Stour Valley and in areas of the East Kent Downs plateaux. Much of the AONB’s woodland comprises, fragmented sites in disparate ownership, a situation exacerbated by the increase of wood lotting (breaking up woods into multiple small ownerships). Wood lotting research in Kent has found some negative impacts; often woodland management is absent and the ability to manage woodlands as a whole can be compromised.DRAFT However, new owners are often motivated to improve and understand woodland wildlife and heritage.

The declarations of climate and environmental emergencies has placed a new focus on woodlands and trees and in particular woodland and tree establishment – the Kent Downs AONB landscape can support more woodlands and in particular trees outside woodlands.

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Trees and woodlands provide significant amenity and economic value, iTree surveys can assist in quantifying this benefit and in Kent a Natural Capital account is being prepared which will provide more information on the ecosystems services and value of trees and woodlands as well as other natural assets in Kent and the Kent Downs.

7.1 Ancient woodland Whilst all woodland is important to the character and qualities of the AONB almost 70% of the Kent Downs woodland is ancient woodland, around 30% of this is plantation on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) (3,585ha); areas of ancient woodland where non-native species have been planted, generally in the 20th century. The careful, gradual restoration of PAWS sites to native species composition is a current priority for woodland management. The Forestry Commission strategy for ancient woodland is described in the ‘https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-ancient-and-native-woodland-in- england.

Figure 7.2 Woodland cover in the Kent Downs AONB

7.2 Tree pests and diseases Ash is a particularly prominent tree in the Kent Downs AONB, both in the woodlands and hedgerows ashDRAFT forms an important component of the landscape and was a major component of regeneration following the 1987 storm. The Kent Downs woodlands were one of the first areas in Britain to experience widespread infection from Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus); the landscape implications are already serious with whole woodlands filled with dead and dying ash trees, trees outside woodlands dying and being felled and clear evidence that the impact is intensifying and spreading across the Downs. There is an

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increasingly serious risk to the ecosystems services provided woodlands and the health and safety of the public and woodland workers in particular. The Kent Downs has been identified as an Important Ash Area by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), reflecting the prominence of Ash in the landscape and the associated nature conservation interest.

Ash Dieback is only one of many tree diseases and pests which are affecting or expected to affect the Kent Downs landscape; in the period of the last plan sweet chestnut blight and Oriental chestnut gall wasp have been recorded in Kent; Phytophthora spp have potential serious tree health implications; oak processionary moth has been extending from London into the Downs and in 2019 infected imported oak trees were intercepted in or near the Kent Downs. An important issue for the commercial woodlands is the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) which has been recorded in Kent; it is a serious pest of spruce with a potentially significant impact on the British forestry industry. Grey Squirrel have an important impact on the ability to produce high quality timber and various species of deer are reported to be increasing and spreading in the Downs affecting planted and regenerating trees and the woodland ground flora. The Government has published a Tree Health Resilience Strategy (2018) and Research Strategy for Ash Dieback (2019) along with an Ash Dieback tool kit which was developed by the Tree Council that have informed the drafting of the revised plan and provide a helpful strategic context but do not create a landscape recovery plan. It is important that woodland management to mitigate the impacts of pests and diseases is as carefully conducted as in other circumstances.

Tree planting and woodland establishment is an increasingly important priority nationally, there is a target to establish 30,00Ha of new woodland in England by 2025 and 30,000Ha across the UK every year until 2050. Ensuring the biosecurity of nursery trees is vitally important to ensure that more tree diseases are not established which are likely to vastly outweigh any benefit that new planting might bring; a bio-secure standard for nursery stock (Plant Healthy) was established in 2020. Trees can be very good at establishing themselves, especially where there are nearby appropriate seed sources; new planting is not always the best or most effective way to establish new woods or even trees outside woodlands, tree planting should be used where natural regeneration is not a viable option or the outcome would be detrimental, for instance where unsuitable seed trees are common.

7.3 Coppice woodlands Throughout the AONB coppiced sweet chestnut is common, often planted into ancient woodland over the last two centuries. Historically sweet chestnut coppice was used for pit props in the east Kent coalfields and for fencing and hop poles. Latterly, as these industries declined, chestnut coppice went for hardwood pulp at the nearby paper mills which have now closed. Chestnut is still coppiced for high value fencing and more recently for the supply of wood chip for heat and fuel for Sandwich combined heat and power. Like ash, sweet chestnut is facing several diseases which may seriously affect its productivity and viability in the Kent Downs and there is concern about the future resilience of single species woodlands.

The continuationDRAFT of coppicing is important for landscape and biodiversity conservation. Much of the AONB’s woodland landscape was once characterised by blocks (cants) of coppice stools cut on regular cycles. Many ancient woodland animal and plant species require coppice management which cyclically opens up the woodland floor to light. Coppice with standards creates edges and mosaics of high canopy with taller and shorter coppice stands, providing a diversity of ecosystems within the woodland habitat. Establishing and managing

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coppicing is difficult where deer populations are high because re-growth can be browsed off. It has been noted that deer populations in Kent woodlands are growing (The Deer Initiative); it is important to maintain deer numbers at a level that does not prejudice the re- establishment of coppicing the regeneration of trees and woodlands and the quality of the woodland ground flora..

The relatively new practice of ‘wilding’ taken forward to enhance biodiversity may be a way to emulated some of the beneficial effects of coppice for woodland diversity and create open areas in woodland, but is likely to detract from the potential for woodland products to be harvested.

In Kent, Sussex and Surrey there remains a coppice industry which, although small and threatened, is showing signs of resurgence and could provide a basis from which to return the coppice woodland of the Kent Downs to rotational management and thus continue a management tradition with origins in the Neolithic period.

7.4 Shooting in woodlands The Kent Downs landform and landscape character makes its woodlands suitable for shooting, particularly pheasant shooting which is thought to be one of the most important economic drivers for woodland management. Where game bird management is poor the quality of woodland biodiversity is damaged and grey squirrel numbers can increase, at the same time game management can align with conservation aims where not intensive and doesn’t restrict woodland management.

7.5 Climate change, trees and woodlands Climate change puts a special focus on the woodlands of the Kent Downs. The Forestry Commission has identified a series of key impacts which include declining tree health and limited mortality in some native species but increasing productivity for others, particularly where water and soil nutrients are available, changes to ground flora, loss of drought sensitive species particularly on shallow soils, damage from extreme events and the expectation that forests and woodland will become increasingly seen as a cool shady refuge for healthy exercise, whilst public access to forests may be interrupted by closures due to storm damage, and roads and paths being washed away. Trees and woodlands are acknowledged to be important carbon sinks through the biomass of trees and in the associated soils. The use of timber in building and for other permanent uses is an effective way of ‘locking’ carbon dioxide and removing it from the atmosphere; using timber from coppice for heat and heat and power is a low carbon emissions source of energy (compared with fossil fuels), it encourages woodland management which is effective at accelerating carbon sequestration and is a sustainable supply of energy but does not ‘lock’ carbon. The wood fuelled combined heat and power plant at Sandwich has provided a major new demand point for timber grown in Kent (160K tonnes each year).

The Woodland Trust report ‘Adapt or Die’ suggests that beech, a feature in parts of the Downs, may no longer be viable in the Kent Downs by as soon as 2050, anecdotal evidence suggests that mature trees are most vulnerable to the climatic changes. Forestry Commission researchDRAFT indicates that the Kent Downs will be a refuge for lowland woodland types as climatic conditions change. Additionally sweet chestnut, being a species of Southern Europe, is likely to be well adapted to the predicted conditions and coppicing is thought to be a way to make the woodland ecosystem more resilient. The relatively single species nature of many chestnut woodlands makes them potentially less resilient to the predicted impacts of climate change as well as disease.

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As part of the strategy to reach net carbon zero by 2050 the Committee on Climate change has recommended bringing 80% of woodland into active management by 2030, it has also promoted significant new tree planting across Britain. The Kent Downs AONB can accommodate new woodland, woodland expansion and in particular trees outside wood while, at the same time enhancing landscape character and providing other ‘co-benefits’ such as flood amelioration, wildlife enhancement, new economic forestry and new access opportunities. During the plan period a tree establishment strategy will be published for the Kent Downs AONB.

7.6 Forestry and woodland in public ownership The Kent Downs AONB contains large areas of Forestry England owned land (1,560ha); much of this is plantation on ancient woodland sites (conifer and broadleaf); the policy position for which is to return to broadleaved woodland over time. Forestry England owned woodlands are popular with visitors and public usage can be high near urban areas. Kings Wood is home to the Stour Valley Creative Partnership collection of artist’s interventions; several notable pieces appear on a sculpture trail albeit there has been limited commissions in recent years. There are several examples of community owned and managed woodlands in the Kent Downs and this enthusiasm is an important opportunity for the future sustainable management of the woodlands and trees of the AONB.

7.7 Health and wellbeing from trees and woodlands Trees and woodlands have been demonstrated as providing many health and well-being benefits, Forest Research, for instance has identified key beneficial characteristics in its publication ‘Trees and woodlands: Nature’s health service’, new approaches to woodland recreation for health and well-being, such as ‘forest bathing’, are increasingly popular and also have demonstrable benefits for participants. New research identifies the critical function of the vegetation of the Kent Downs, in particular trees and woodlands, in mitigating air pollution.

7.8 The canopy approach The recognition of the importance of the whole tree canopy, not just woodland cover is growing. Woodlands and trees outside woodlands together provide an ecological and landscape network which is much valued for its scenic beauty but also for the functions, or ecosystems services it provides; supporting wildlife diversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, water management and clean air. There are significant challenges to the health and extent of the tree canopy of the Kent Downs in particular from tree disease and pests at the same time farming systems which integrate trees with other farm crops can be a way to extend and connect the canopy.

7.9 A Tree Champion and Tree Strategy The Government has appointed Sir William Worsley as the Tree Champion with an agenda of setting a direction for the country’s trees and woodlands over a 25 year period. More tree planting has been an important priority and it is expected that a draft England Tree Strategy will be publishedDRAFT early in the plan period. 8 Woodland and trees - special characteristics and qualities

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Woodlands and trees are a vital part of the Kent Downs’ natural beauty, providing a green, tranquil mantle to the upper slopes of the escarpments and valleys. The woodlands emphasise the undulating nature of the dip slopes and scarp and frame the agricultural lower slopes and settlements. Individual, fine and ancient trees along with in field and hedgerow trees are an important, characteristic and sometimes dramatic element of the landscape. The woodlands and trees of the Kent Downs are much valued for the sights, sounds, wildlife, cultural meaning and narrative as well as for recreation, to improve health and well-being they provide.

Almost 70% (12,114 ha) of the Kent Downs woodland resource is ancient woodland (continuously present since at least 1600). The Kent Downs’ ancient woodland is nationally significant representing (3.3%) of the total in England and Wales (Natural England, Ancient Woodland (England) Inventory).

Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and valued for its cultural, landscape and biodiversity importance and the products it supplies. Some ancient woodland may represent our only link with the original post glacial ‘wildwood’ and is more likely to contain vulnerable animal and plant species than any other habitat. Ancient woodlands can also include physical evidence of former landscape management practices. The rich but sensitive ground flora of ancient woodlands – bluebells, wood anemones, ramsons and yellow archangel – and the bird song of warblers, nightingale and nightjar and the rare and beautiful butterflies, even the dank scents of rotting leaves in the winter are part of the natural beauty of the AONB. Much of the valued woodland wildlife, invertebrates, lichens and fungi, are associated with old trees, deadwood or open ground and are restricted to ancient woods and wood pasture. The ancient woodlands of the Kent Downs also preserve the evidence of thousands of years of human activity in earthworks, monuments and place names.

The diversity of woodland types broadly follows the different soil types within the AONB, including clay (with ash, hornbeam and oak); chalk (with ash, beech and yew) and free draining sands (with oak, birch and beech). Lowland beech yew woodland is particularly distinctive in the Kent Downs and is of European importance.

Trees outside woodlands; in field trees, hedgerow trees and individual notable trees are a particularly important and vulnerable part of the landscape of the Kent Downs and are generally unlikely to regenerate under current land management systems; each tree is an ecology and has a story. Often prominent in land and streetscapes, trees outside woodlands are an important quality of the landscape.

8.2 Woodland and trees - main issues, opportunities and threats a. There has been an increase and intensification of the impact of pests and diseases on woodlands and trees and this is expected to continue; the approach to woodland and trees in the landscape should be responsive and secure sustainable management as well as achieve resilience to this significant threat. DRAFT b. There is a need to ensure that markets for woodland products secure sustainable woodland management which support landscape character, wildlife and the local economy. c. There is a need to build an appropriately trained and equipped work force with the

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capacity to both generate and take advantage of new markets. d. Restocking on woodland sites, woodland creation and tree planting needs to be resilient to future climates mixing natural regeneration and planting schemes use a diverse range of appropriate species which are certified as bio secure and ideally of local provenance. (NB the use of species found previously in the area, such as lime and elm, and appropriate non-native stock are being considered as a response to the impacts of climate change, pests and disease but this is not conclusive and there is a need to be open to new approaches). e. The implications of climate change put a special focus on Kent Downs woodlands for both adaptation and mitigation responses; the resilience of woodlands and trees and a strategic approach to woodland and tree cover expansion are a key consideration. f. The diversity of type and motivation of wood owners and the rapidly changing woodland context means there is a need for consistent intervention and advice to support sustainable woodland management. g. The emphasis on multi-purpose woodland use is supported but can bring challenges for owners and managers and it can be the case that recreation, biodiversity and landscape management are do not bring commercial returns. Woodland recreation provides many benefits but increasing pressure is sometimes considered an increasing issue for woodland management, affecting commercial options, biodiversity and visitor experience. h. Intensive agriculture, infrastructure and building developments and pre-development felling can lead to the loss and fragmentation of woodland and transitional habitats around woods; there has been a reported increase in advance felling on sites where development is being sought. i. Pheasant and other game bird rearing can cause a loss of biodiversity and landscape value but where managed well can support sustainable woodland management. j. There is a need to take a strategic approach and propose long term management solutions to minimise biodiversity loss, to promote woodland regeneration and reduce fragmentation of woodlands and to limit the long term impact of disease and pest species in Kent Downs woodlands. k. There is a need to support the use of the UK Forestry Standard and Grown in Britain certification for woodland products. l. There is a need for the restoration and management of open space in woodlands, particularly woodland rides and glades and to carefully consider the opportunity for a wilding approach and the reintroduction of woodland species in certain circumstances. DRAFT m. Insufficient understanding of the value, condition and location of ‘veteran’ trees, specimen trees outside woodlands and standing /lying deadwood in woodlands and parkland – for landscape, biodiversity, cultural and historic reasons. n. The need to harness the popular value of woodlands to improve understanding, engage new management arrangements and wider community and individual

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involvement, health and well-being. o. The historic features contained in woodlands can often be overlooked, there is a need to ensure that they are better understood conserved and protected during woodland management operations and through the application of the UK Forestry Standard. p. The need to continue to promote and secure the restoration of PAWS sites through guidance and management support.

8.3 Woodland and trees – aims that support the sustainable management of woodlands and trees

A landscape in which:

1. The irreplaceable fine tree and ancient woodland characteristics and qualities, cultural heritage and landscape character is restored, conserved and enhanced.

2. The retention and sustainable management of woodlands and trees provides beautiful landscapes, recreation and education, carbon sequestration, timber, a sustainable source of renewable energy, an important wildlife habitat and assists with adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

3. Existing woodland is retained and expanded areas of woodlands and trees form functional ecological networks alongside other key habitats of the AONB in order to encourage resilience to the impacts of climate change and enhance landscape character and quality; the canopy cover of the Kent Downs is increased. A tree establishment strategy is agreed for the AONB

4. Woodland ecology and archaeology is well understood, conserved, enhanced and recognised for its value.

5. There are sustainable levels of access to woodlands for, health, well-being, recreation and leisure with wider, more inclusive opportunities for people to benefit. Careful management ensures the conservation and enhancement of the special characteristics and qualities of woodlands and trees.

6. The sustainable production of high-quality timber and valuable underwood is stimulated through sustainable market demand.

7. A collaborative approach is taken to the management, enhancement and establishment of trees and woodlands of the Kent Downs is taken.

DRAFT 8.4 Woodland and trees - principles that support the sustainable management of woodlands and trees

WT1 The extent of woodland, transitional habitats around woodland and trees outside woodland in the Kent Downs AONB will be retained, connected and extended.

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WT2 A strategic, collaborative approach will be pursued to secure sustainable multipurpose woodland and tree restoration, management and establishment that reduces fragmentation, responds carefully to the impact of pests and diseases and does not risk further pests and diseases, conserves and enhances the special qualities and character of the landscape, the resilience of woodlands and trees and benefits people’s enjoyment, health and well-being.

WT3 The managed, gradual conversion of plantations on ancient woodland to deciduous woodland will be supported where locally distinct woodland types, tree species and bio-secure principally local provenance tree stock or natural regeneration are used.*

WT4 Training, accreditation and wider understanding of woodland management to woodland owners and workers, local people and visitors will be encouraged and supported.

WT5 The restoration and management of woodland open habitats and spaces, such as rides, glades, and wood pasture, for landscape, biodiversity and archaeology conservation purposes will be supported.

WT6 The identification, protection, management, planned replacement and reintroduction of trees outside woodlands including fine specimen and ‘veteran’ trees will be pursued. This will include developing a Kent Downs based ash dieback recovery plan as part of wider woodland and tree establishment plan for the AONB.

WT7 Positive and strategic management interventions to overcome damage to woodlands, such as from disease, illegal and harmful recreation, an expanding deer population, poorly managed use for game rearing, livestock and development associated with wood lotting, will be pursued.

WT8 In response to pressures on woodlands and the positive motivations of many new woodland owners, co-ordinated actions and the development and promotion of guidance and support which integrates sound landscape, heritage and biodiversity management will be supported.

WT9 New markets for sustainably produced, appropriately certified woodland products and marketing initiatives will be supported.

WT10 Research to understand the ownership patterns and motivations of woodland owners will be encouraged to support a coordinated, strategic approach to the conservation and enhancement of the woodlands and trees of the Kent Downs.

WT11 The identification and review the extent of ancient woodlands using up to date methodology will be supported.

DRAFT

* Principle WT3 may be amended only on the basis of sound evidence to reflect the possibility that non-native tree stock of native species could be more resilient to climate change impacts, a position statement will be prepared as part of the delivery of the AONB Management Plan.

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DRAFT

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8. Historic, Cultural and Scientific Heritage

Contents Summary of changes ...... 82 Our vision ...... 82 8.1 Overview ...... 83 8.2 Historic and cultural heritage - special characteristics ...... 83 8.3 Historic Landscape Characterisation ...... 85 8.4 Artistic, cultural and scientific importance ...... 87 8.3 Historic and cultural heritage - main issues, opportunities and threats identified ...... 89 8.4 Historic and cultural heritage - aims ...... 90 8.5 Historic and cultural heritage - principles ...... 90

Our vision for the historic, cultural and scientific heritage of the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the rich heritage of historic landscape, buildings, settlements, sites and their settings that characterise the Kent Downs’ historic and cultural fabric are maintained in favourable condition and are enhanced to reflect their local character and significance. The environmental performance of historic buildings is enhanced in a way that is sensitive to their character. They are understood and cherished by local people and visitors alike for their intrinsic value and for their important contribution to quality of life and rural economy. Vibrant and excitingDRAFT artistic and cultural interpretation and celebration of the Kent Downs is supported and strong partnerships for the arts and cultural development in the Downs is in place and delivering extraordinary, contemporary work enjoyed, created by and inspiring

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wide and diverse publics.

8.1 Overview The Kent Downs is a significant cultural landscape; the UN definition of cultural heritage encompasses natural heritage which is the understandable focus of much of the plan for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty however the concept of landscape encompasses much more than nature and landform and if we are conserve and enhance this cultural landscape the plan must encompass wider components of landscape, including tangible and intangible cultural heritage. By affording adequate focus to the historic and cultural heritage of the landscape the fundamental objective of the AONB; being recognised and valued, is more likely to be achieved as is its conservation and enhancement. This approach supports the IUCN objective to provide a framework to underpin active involvement by the community in the management of valued landscapes or seascapes and the natural and cultural heritage that they contain

Virtually every facet of the Kent Downs has been shaped by thousands of years of human activity – in the fields and woods, tracks and lanes and villages and hamlets, an indelible memory of past times has been left to us. At the same time the extraordinary landscapes Kent Downs are particularly closely linked to the lives and inspirations of many of our greatest artists, scientists and leaders. While the landform and geology underlies its beauty, the Kent Downs AONB is very much a cultural landscape.

8.2 Historic and cultural heritage - special characteristics There is a strong ‘time depth’ to the Kent Downs landscape and in its setting which adds to its distinctive, ancient feel. Glimpses of prehistory can be caught at various places across the AONB. Numerous Palaeolithic flints have been discovered in the AONB taking human activity back to the lower Palaeolithic period. Artefacts found on the higher land of the Kent Downs indicate the, probably occasional, presence of Mesolithic people. Notable traces of Neolithic culture are present in the lower Medway Valley in the form of megalithic burial monuments and structures which include Kit’s Coty, Little Kit’s Coty and the Coldrum Stones. There are also earthen long barrows, particularly in the Medway and Stour Valleys. Bronze Age round barrows are dotted across the landscape and the Iron Age saw the development of massive hill-forts like that at Oldbury Hill near Ightham as well as widespread farmsteads and rural settlements.

Kent was probably the scene of the Roman invasion of Britain in AD43 and almost 400 years of Roman occupation have left their mark. The Roman road network, stretching in straight lines across the landscape is still represented by, for example, Stone Street which connected Canterbury with the port at Lympne and sections of Watling Street linking Dover, Canterbury, Rochester and London. Indeed throughout history Kent has been in the front line of exchange and conflict; this role has left an indelible prints on the landscape expressed in routeways and castles, trenches and docks.

The increasing sophistication and landscape impact of agriculture is recorded in the lynchets found throughout the Kent Downs. There is evidence that Roman and Iron Age field and settlement patternsDRAFT have strongly influenced the landscape we see today.

Estate centres like Wye and Charing were established in the Anglo-Saxon period. From this time on the carving out of fields from woodland, known as assarting, and unenclosed wood pasture commons appeared in the Kent Downs landscape. Churches were also erected which formed the beginnings of the parochial structure that has continued to the present day.

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Droveways, connecting estate centres with summer pastures in the Weald have left their mark in the particularly distinctive north-east to south-west orientation of the road network across much of the Downs which provides a ‘grain’ to the landscape.

The commons or ‘minnises’ of the high clay caps of the Kent Downs are believed to have been established by the Anglo-Saxon or early medieval period and form distinctive open areas of rough grass, bracken, heather and gorse. Many have now been enclosed but open minnises most notably Ewell Minnis near Dover and Stelling Minnis remain as important remnants of previously more widespread landscape features.

The Norman invasion saw the coming of the castle, varying in scale from that at Dover, the ‘key’ to England, to smaller structures of local lords, such as the ring-work and bailey at Thurnham. Villages grew into towns and churches were rebuilt in stone, ecclesiastical interest in the countryside is witnessed by monastic houses and the palaces of the Archbishop of Canterbury for example at Otford and Charing, both of which are located on the ‘Pilgrims Way’ or old road, itself an ancient route linking England to the continent. Local man John Kempe established the medieval college at Wye, in 1447 when he was Archbishop of York.

The character of the Kent Downs landscape was well established by the Tudor period. There were many nucleated villages or hamlets clustered around flint and brick churches and greens, as well as settlements along river valleys and routeways and spring line settlements at the base of the escarpment. Land was cultivated and grazed throughout the AONB and the many isolated farmsteads bear testimony to this agricultural history. It is believed that complex patterns of enclosure, particularly in the more fertile areas, have been created in part by the influence of the Kentish custom of ‘Gavelkind’ inheritance where property was divided equally rather than being allotted to the oldest heir, producing a multiplicity of holdings.

The selling off of church lands following the Reformation led to the growth of country estates with their parks and gardens which cover an important part of the AONB. Designed landscapes in the Kent Downs include Godmersham and Chilham in the Stour Valley, Doddington and Belmont Parks in the mid Kent Downs and Bourne Park and Higham Park on the River Nailbourne.

Along the White Cliffs Heritage Coast, facing as it did potential attack from mainland Europe, there is a rich heritage of defence structures, including Dover Castle and the Western Heights, 19th century Martello towers and the concrete and brick remains of anti-invasion structures and colossal gun emplacements of the two World Wars. Valuable but non- designated 20th century defensive heritage exist across the Downs but away from the coast, examples include the numerous structures and features at Detling airfield. Other, more contemporary heritage features include the remains of, brick fields, railway arches, lime kilns, chalk pits ranging from small village pits to large sites associated with the Medway cement industry remind us of the various scales of industry found in but mostly around the landscape of the Kent Downs. DRAFT Aside from these grand and dominant historic sites and structures, the multitude of smaller cultural and historic features also help characterise the landscape of the AONB. These are the traces of ordinary people who have worked the land for centuries and have shaped its special character. Networks of ancient, often ‘laid’ hedgerows which still provide enclosure for livestock; wood and field banks which marked boundaries between different manors or estates, picked out with pollarded or ‘stubbed’ ancient trees; field patterns and lynchets

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revealing ploughing patterns from centuries ago; hollow ways and sunken lanes, now often byways, carved into the land by millennia of passing feet and hooves; and dene holes (deep excavations into the chalk) and borrow pits where rock and minerals were excavated by hand.

The Kent Downs has a rich tradition of half-timbered and weather-boarded buildings. There is also a legacy of locally distinctive architecture in locally derived building materials such as Ragstone, Flint and Chalk. Soft red bricks and peg-tiles lend colour and here and there long- straw thatching can be seen. The conservation and enhancement of these diverse buildings requires local sources of building materials, as well as skilled crafts workers who understand and respect the building traditions of the past and the architectural vernacular.

There is still much to discover, for example, the Kent Downs continually reveals archaeological surprises, often of national importance; the significance of the unknown historic heritage, as well as that which is undesignated is felt to be underplayed and more focus should be afforded to it.

Figure 8.1 Heritage Features in the Kent Downs AONB

8.3 HistoricDRAFT Landscape Characterisation and Heritage Strategies ‘Every place, like every person, has its distinctive character, in large measure determined by its inherited features such as streets, hedges, archaeological sites, buildings or place names. Understanding this character is one of the starting points for deciding a place’s future, the first step in working out how places can be made better in the future’ (Historic England).

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Historic Landscape Characterisation describes landscape character based on historical attributes surviving in the present landscape. Kent was one of the first counties to prepare a historic landscape character map on a county wide basis. The mapping is intended to provide broad scale and overall assessment of historic character.

The Kent Downs AONB is made up mainly of a ‘field pattern’ historic landscape type, covering approximately 63% of the area. Whilst this historic landscape type is further defined into subcategories, there is no predominant field type. Woodland landscape types also feature heavily with some large tracts being present in the east of the AONB. Also notable are the presence of a large number of areas of parkland, indicating the importance of the managed estates within the landscape.

As part of this review of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan the Landscape Character Assessment has been revised and updated; closer attention to historic landscape character has been incorporated.

Figure 8.2 Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Kent Downs AONB

Several Local Authorities with land in the Kent Downs AONB have taken forward Heritage Strategies whichDRAFT contain comprehensive assessment of the heritage of the area and recommendations for its conservation and enhancement, such strategies cover the AONB and its wider setting. The NPPF states that plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect and decay. Heritage Strategies are an important source of evidence in support of the vision aims and principles of the AONB Management Plan.

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It is recognised that there may be archaeological sites within the AONB that do not relate to the existing landscape. An example is Palaeolithic sites whose landscape of origin was very different from the landscape today. There will be times when the management of the modern landscape conflicts with the needs of such sites and it is important that they are not negatively impacted by modern landscape management needs.

8.4 Artistic, cultural and scientific importance

The extraordinary landscapes Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are particularly closely linked to the lives and inspirations of many of our greatest artists, scientists and leaders.

When the nation voted in a BBC poll for our ‘greatest Britons’ the top vote was, perhaps unsurprisingly, for Sir Winston Churchill and 4th was Charles Darwin, both lived in and were inspired by the landscapes of the Kent Downs.

Churchill’s early life is described as ‘itinerant’ but when he did decide to put down roots it was at Chartwell in the western part of the Kent Downs. It is said that the tranquillity of the place captivated him along with the views which stretch far across the Weald. Churchill apparently said that “I bought Chartwell for that view.” It was, however, also only 25 miles from the House of Commons, despite this convenience, his view was that “a day away from Chartwell was a day wasted”.

The characteristics of Chartwell which so inspired Churchill are also some of those which remain highly valued by people today; the views from the Downs were one of the most important ‘targets’ when the Kent Downs was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and when we ask people what they most value about the Kent Downs today, it is the scenery and views which always come top. Along with this the tranquillity that the Downs afford in an increasingly busy county is much cherished.

Darwin lived and worked at Downe House just beyond the western edge of the Kent Downs, the chalk landscapes of the Downs were a crucial part of his studies. Dubbed ‘Darwin’s landscape laboratory’ the downland landscape is of critical scientific importance and unique cultural significance as the place in which the theory of evolution by natural selection was developed. When Downe House and the surrounding landscape was placed on the tentative list for World Heritage Status it was the Chalk landscapes that ‘provided unique insights into the scientific understanding of natural life and biodiversity. The ideas that were developed from daily observations and experiments at Downe have had a profound influence on the life sciences, medicine, agriculture, philosophy, the creative arts and general views of humankind's relation to other living creatures in the natural world.’

In the Canterbury Tales, Chaucer assembles a motley band of 29 pilgrims at the Tabbard Inn in Southwalk. Together, they travel the old pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of St Thomas. Famously Chaucer describes: From every shire’s end/Of England, toDRAFT Canterbury they wend/The holy blissful martyr for to seek/That him hath helped when that they were sick” There is no certain route that pilgrims followed but certainly the modern day North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way along with old routeways and churches which still punctuate the landscape of the Downs were features of pilgrimage.

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Fine houses with their parks and gardens can be found across the Kent Downs, of these Godmersham frequently hosted Jane Austen ‘who would spend weeks at a time with her brother Edward, his wife Elizabeth and their children, for whom she was a much loved aunt. Godmersham is believed by many to be the inspiration for her novel Mansfield Park (1814).

Charles Dickens had many connections with the Downs, including the village of Cobham where the Leather Bottle pub is known to many as Charles Dickens' favourite Ale House. According to the pub, ‘the great man not only used the inn and often stayed; he also featured it in The Pickwick Papers, for it was here that the lovelorn Mr Tracy Tupman fled after being jilted by his sweetheart Rachel Wardle, where he drowned his sorrows in Mr Pickwick's company.’

Bishopsbourne was sometime home to novelist Joseph Conrad, Ian Fleming referenced the extraordinary views from the White Cliffs in Moonraker and much more recently Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban, a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel set in Kent where the Devil's Kneading Trough at Wye features as 'Mr Clevver's Roaling Place'.

Perhaps it is visual artists that draw most from landscape; in the Kent Downs the Darent Valley is especially notable as being ‘indelibly associated with one of the greatest of English Romantic artists, Samuel Palmer. For a brief period, the landscape inspired some of the most intense paintings in the history of British art, so original that Palmer’s contemporaries laughed; but they are now recognised as uniquely personal expressions of a vision of England much closer to that of William Blake than the more traditional views of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.

‘Few landscapes in England are so closely associated with a single artist. The only comparable example is the Stour Valley in East Anglia, where Constable, who was born at East Bergholt, captured the rivers and farmhouses, the gentle hills and varied vegetation, in a succession of naturalistic paintings from the beginning of his career to the late 1820s…. Palmer ..worked in a wholly individual manner, inspired by Blake’s technique, by Old Master prints, and above all, by the possibility of experiencing in the Darent Valley the visions of ideal landscape, of paradise, that he had been seeking. For Palmer, like Blake, believed that the second coming of Christ would take place in England, not in the ‘dark Satanic mills’ of the north, but in the land of ‘mountains green, ‘pleasant pastures, and ‘clouded hills’. In a sense, Palmer found in the Darent Valley the epitome of ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ as described by Blake.’ Colin Harrison Senior Curator of European Art Ashmolean Museum

More recently Thomas Sidney Cooper’s painted in the Stour Valley and Henry Moore lived and worked in the Kent Downs at Kingston near Canterbury where again the landscapes of the Kent Downs were seminal in his work; ‘It was this landscape that had a profound influence on Moore’s work. His time there allowed him the space to carve in the open air and to indulge his life-long preference for a natural setting for his sculptures.’

Moore began filling this rural landscape with wood obtained from a Canterbury timber yard and blocks of Hopton Wood stone that came from Derbyshire. These were erected in the garden and surroundingDRAFT countryside. He later wrote, “Living at Burcroft was what probably clinched my interest in trying to make sculpture and nature enhance each other.”

Ideas for his sculptures were taken directly from natural forms such as stone, pebbles and pieces of wood. Sketchbooks from the 1930s show the artist’s constant obsession with nature and the progression from natural forms to sculptural ideas; some of them providing

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source material for much later sculptures. “Space, distance, landscape, plants, pebbles, rocks, bones, all excite me and give me ideas” explained Moore.

There is strong contemporary interpretation and artistic celebration of the Kent Downs AONB landscapes. In Kings Wood near Ashford a collection of sculptures within the forest respond to the place and the Stour Valley Creative Partnership commissions new and young artists to respond to the beauty of the woods. Along the National Cycle Route 2, a series of commissions forms the Chalk and Channel Way; from sculpture to poetry, artists have been inspired by the dramatic coastline between Folkestone and Dover. Most recently a commission taken forward by the AONB Unit’s Ash Project titled ‘Ash to Ash’ by Ackroyd and Harvey creates a dramatic and fitting artistic response to the urgent issue of Ash dieback.

The Kent Downs landscape continues to be influential and inspirational to contemporary artists and cultural life, and this quality needs to be celebrated, engagement widened and made more diverse linked to culturally led regeneration activities and promoted more widely.

8.3 Historic and cultural heritage - main issues, opportunities and threats identified a. The need to increase understanding, engagement, awareness of, and inspiration from, the historic, artistic, built and cultural heritage of the Kent Downs; and to encourage greater opportunities for the historic and cultural heritage to inform contemporary decisions, landscape management, regeneration and place making. b. The need to conserve and protect the historic environment, both above and below ground, designated and non-designated. Issues include the effect of deep ploughing, the introduction of (deep rooting) energy crops and arable conversion on sites containing buried archaeological remains, heritage crime, and development affecting or in the setting of historic buildings. c. The gradual degradation of the landscape and its historic features caused by localised actions of land managers, permitted developments. infrastructure development, utilities, roads and railways. These might include new or widened accesses, hedgerow damage and vehicle movements. d. Climate change also offers an increasing threat to heritage assets through the drying and waterlogging of archaeological sites and the impact of more severe weather events on both archaeological sites and historic buildings. e. Recognition and reinforcement of special historic landscape character and the local distinctiveness of settlements, settlement patterns, farmsteads, ancient routeways, buildings and design in the Kent Downs landscape through the planning process as well as in, detailed historic characterisation, Heritage Strategies, Neighbourhood Plans, Village Design Statements and Conservation Area Appraisals. f. DearthDRAFT and loss of skills and local sustainably sourced materials for historic building conservation, informing new developments and sustaining traditional management approaches important to landscape character and qualities. g. The recognition of the importance of 20th Century heritage in the landscape.

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h. The opportunity to work collaboratively with the Arts Council, Heritage Fund and cultural regeneration programmes such as the Medway City of Culture bid to secure new artistic and cultural activity and an intelligent, innovative curatorial approach to celebrate, understand and interpret the complex landscape components of the Kent Downs, research the dynamics of human experience in the landscape and support rural and urban regeneration.

8.4 Historic and cultural heritage - aims

A landscape in which:

1 The principal special characteristics and qualities of the historic character of the Kent Downs landscape, the sites and features, field and settlement patterns, villages, hedgerows, routeways, woodlands and parklands are recognised, valued, conserved and enhanced.

2. The historic environment helps shape new development in the AONB and its setting and contributes to a distinctive sense of place. This will be achieved by ensuring that the heritage is considered from the earliest stages of project development.

3. The economic and ‘quality of life’ benefits of living, working in and visiting an historically-rich, artistically and culturally inspiring environment is recognised and actively supported.

4. New developments respect and reinforce the traditions of the past, whilst integrating sustainable technologies and sensitive design.

5. The landscape context and setting of historic buildings, features and settlements is protected, conserved and enhanced.

6. Restoration and conversion of the built heritage and new developments reflect local character and will meet high environmental standards, using sustainably sourced, locally derived materials and skilled workers.

7. Communities are engaged and involved in the historic and cultural environment of the Kent Downs through methods such as conservation area management planning, village design, neighbourhood planning, place making and interpretation.

8. Vibrant and contemporary artistic and cultural celebration of the Kent Downs supports the conservation, interpretation, enjoyment, understanding and enhancement of the landscape and engages diverse publics.

8.5 Historic and cultural heritage - principles

HCH1 The conservation and enhancement of the historic character and features of the Kent DownsDRAFT AONB landscape will be pursued and heritage-led sustainable economic activity and tourism encouraged.

HCH2 A wider understanding of the historic, cultural, scientific and artistic importance of the Kent Downs landscape and its historic character, including a review of the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the AONB, will be supported in part to inform the

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interpretation and management of the AONB.

HCH3 In recognition of the emerging national relationship with the Arts Council and arts and cultural regeneration efforts in Kent an arts and cultural strategy for the Kent Downs will be pursued.

HCH4 The preparation and use of best practice guidance, promotion of skill acquisition and sourcing suitable sustainable materials for conserving, enhancing and adapting the historic and cultural environment to climate change will be supported.

HCH5 Opportunities to develop contemporary and innovative artistic, historic, cultural and scientific interpretation and celebration of the landscape and people of the Kent Downs will be pursued.

HCH6 The application of high standards of design sympathetic to cultural heritage within the AONB, identified in guidance including the AONB Landscape Design Handbook, Kent Downs Farmstead Guidance and any relevant local policy or management plans will be pursued.

HCH7 The protection, conservation, and enhancement of heritage features under threat will be pursued through policies, projects, training and partnerships.

DRAFT

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9. The Heritage Coasts

Contents Summary of changes ...... 92 Our vision ...... 92 9.1 Overview ...... 92 The Heritage Coasts ...... 94 Seascape assessment of the Strait of Dover ...... 95 Marine Management Plans and Marine Conservation Zones...... 95 9.2 The Heritage Coasts - special characteristics and qualities ...... 96 9.3 The Heritage Coasts - main issues, opportunities and threats...... 98 9.4 The Heritage Coasts - aims ...... 99 9.5 The Heritage Coasts - principles ...... 99

Our vision for the Heritage Coasts of the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the special place that the White Cliffs of Dover have in the hearts and minds of millions of people is justified by the reality experienced on the ground. Collaborative effort continues to transform the management of the coasts which meets the needs of the landscape, natural and historic environment and communities, while supporting the Covid recovery and sustainable regeneration of the coastal economy including of the coastal towns.

9.1 Overview The magnificent chalk cliffs between Folkestone and Kingsdown form one of Britain’s most evocative and best-known landmarks. For many they are the first sight of Britain while views to France hold a special appeal, where chalk and clay cliffs, also held in great national regard, mirror the landscape drama. The Dover Strait is one of the world’s most important, recognised and busiest seascapes. The Kent DownsDRAFT has a special place in some of our most renowned literature, the White Cliffs, forever in the hearts and minds of our nation, appear in many well-known songs, stories and poems sometimes as a metaphor for the whole country; they are never so well

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described as in King Lear as Gloucester entreats Edgar (Tom) to take him to the Dover Cliffs – he describes that;

‘There is a cliff, whose high and bending head, Looks fearfully in the confinèd deep. Bring me but to the very brim of it, And I’ll repair the misery thou dost bear With something rich about me. From that place I shall no leading need.’

Edgar describes the cliff;

‘Come on, sir; here's the place: stand still. How fearful And dizzy 'tis, to cast one's eyes so low! The crows and choughs that wing the midway air Show scarce so gross as beetles: half way down Hangs one that gathers samphire, dreadful trade! Methinks he seems no bigger than his head: The fishermen, that walk upon the beach, Appear like mice; and yond tall anchoring bark, Diminish'd to her cock; her cock, a buoy Almost too small for sight: the murmuring surge, That on the unnumber'd idle pebbles chafes, Cannot be heard so high. I'll look no more; Lest my brain turn, and the deficient sight Topple down headlong.’

Globally coastal Chalk is scarce, the UK holds 57% of Europe’s resource, Kent holds 35% of the UK resource.

The impacts of global climate change, including sea level rise and the greater frequency and intensity of storms, is projected to have a significant effect on the Heritage Coast, making adaptation strategies an important priority for the future management of the coast.

This extraordinary natural and cultural resource can strongly assist the regeneration and recovery of Dover and Folkestone and has been identified as the basis to secure World Heritage Site status for the Dover Strait. Recreation pressure has increased significantly in the plan period with the National Trust reporting over 10% year on year increases in visitor numbers and visitor car parks are regularly closed on account of capacity constraints. Visitor pressure is unevenly spread with Langdon Cliffs recording over 500,000 visitors each year and areas of Lydden Spout (also in National Trust ownership) only 4000 visitor movements.

Defence and invasion is one of the themes of the Heritage Coast and forms an important reference in the landscape. Features in the Kent Downs include the magnificent Dover Castle described as ‘the key to England’, Napoleonic Martello towers, the ‘listening ears’ built between DRAFTthe wars and superseded by radar installations some of which are now listed. World War II frontline fortifications, defences, gun emplacements and anti-tank devices are peppered along the coast.

Communication and cultural exchange are important themes. In 1899 the first international wireless transmission was sent from Wimereux to the South Foreland lighthouse. Cross channel trade and cultural exchange continues apace – the Strait of Dover being one of the

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world’s busiest shipping lanes. The close proximity of Dover Harbour and views of the Strait’s central shipping channel means ferries and large cargo vessels are frequent features.

Arising both from conflict and seagoing exchange and transport there is an extraordinary and outstanding collection of wrecks comprising both air and water-craft, including the Dover Boat, the oldest sea-going boat in the world. Another example is the protected wreck of the Langdon Bay, located on the edge of Dover Harbour. It is thought to be the remains of a Middle Bronze Age vessel carrying a scrap metal cargo from France to Britain, indicating early cross-channel trade.

Navigation marks are often conspicuous in the landscape for example the National Trust- managed South Foreland lighthouse, which stands 21 metres high on the headland, and a white windmill (near to the lighthouse).

The Heritage Coasts

England’s 32 Heritage Coasts have been established in the best areas of undeveloped coast to:

• conserve, protect and enhance: • the natural beauty of the coastline • their terrestrial, coastal and marine flora and fauna • their heritage features • encourage and help the public to enjoy, understand and appreciate these areas • maintain and improve the health of inshore waters affecting heritage coasts and their beaches through appropriate environmental management measures • take account of the needs of agriculture, forestry and fishing and the economic and social needs of the small communities on these coasts

Natural England’s Designation Strategy promotes AONB Management Plans incorporating policies for the management of Heritage Coasts at a strategic level. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) recognises the importance of the special character of Heritage Coasts and advises that development should be consistent with that character.

The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (WCCP) has a Heritage Coast management function as part of its purpose. In the previous management plan period, the Kent Downs AONB Unit worked in partnership to secure and then chaired the ’Up on the Downs’ Landscape Partnership Scheme funded by the (then) Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scheme made significant and lasting investments in improving the condition of and partnership arrangements affecting the Heritage Coast and a wider inland area.

In the plan period of the last AONB Management Plan the National Trust has made important land purchases in the two Heritage Coasts and invested further in their conservation and enhancement,DRAFT this new ownership arrangement, along with local partnership working has greatly increased the delivery of the Heritage Coast purposes. As a testament to the value placed by people on this area of coast, a National Trust appeal to purchase land reached its target of £1.2 m in just 19 days.

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Seascape assessment of the Strait of Dover The description of seascape character, like landscape character describes what is distinctive, special and characteristic in an area of sea (and land in coastal areas). Seascape character assessment is a tool and spatial framework to help integrate management decisions. Completed in July 2015 a full seascape character assessment of the Strait of Dover represents an important management resource. The study provides and evidence base to support marine planning and management as well as that of the coastal zone. The seascape character assessment has been used in support of the preparation of this Plan.

The assessment helped confirm the special characteristics and qualities of the Heritage Coasts and the priorities for management. The Strait is described as a cohesive seascape unified by geology, socio-economic functions, biodiversity, history, culture and intervisibility. The Strait is an area of multiple interests and values and the Assessment confirms the need for sensitive and integrated management which is clear in the vision, aims and principles of the plan.

The seascape character assessment has fed into the joint UK/ France Dover Strait Action Plan which while focusing on energy and climate change issues promotes several actions and activities which are coherent with the objectives of this Plan.

Marine Management Plans and Marine Conservation Zones.

Marine plans guide those who use and regulate the marine area to encourage sustainable development while considering the environment, economy and society. As a result marine plan policy topics across environmental sectors, economic sectors and social sectors are relevant to Kent Downs. Such policy topics can include Seascape, Biodiversity and Land- based infrastructure. AONBs are referenced in many numerous policies.

Heritage Coasts are included in Policy S-HER-1 (Heritage Assets) and Policy S-SCP-1 (Seascape) in the South Marine Plan. It is expected to be in similar policies in the South East Marine Plan.

The Heritage Coast east of Samphire Hoe will be covered by policies within the South East Inshore Marine Plan prepared by the Marine Management Organisation. The south east marine plan area includes tidal waters and extends to the mean high water springs mark. The Kent coast west of Samphire Hoe is covered by policies within the 2018 statutory South Marine Plan.

Described as ‘blue belt’ around the English Coast Marine Conservation Zones are areas designated by the Government to protect a range of nationally important, rare or threatened habitats and species. There are three designated MCZs close to or within the Kent Downs Heritage Coasts: Dover to Folkestone; Dover to Deal and the Folkestone Pomerania. DRAFT

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Figure 9.1 Kent Heritage Coast

9.2 The Heritage Coasts - special characteristics and qualities

The Heritage Coasts either side of Dover have been defined as some of the best undeveloped coast in England, they include the shoreline, cliffs and adjacent downland. The White Cliffs form part of the UK’s national identity; forming a soaring landscape with a seascape of vast horizons of sea and sky extending westwards to the subtle crumbling Greensand and Clay cliffs of Folkestone.

Behind the rearing cliffs is a landscape of windswept coastal chalk downs, with further undeveloped areas of salt-wind sculpted scrub, open downland, and farmland punctuated by the remnants of thousands of years of exchange and conflict. The Heritage Coasts are one of the few places in south east England which offer a true feeling of ‘wildness’. The ever- changing chalk cliffs, foreshore and seabed platform are home to distinctive wildlife influenced by the sea, climate, geology and exposure.

The wildlife of the Heritage Coasts is internationally important, the clifftops consisting of nationally importantDRAFT chalk grassland and scrub, the cliff-faces supporting important breeding sea bird colonies including increasing numbers Fulmars, Rock Pipits, Lesser-black backed Gulls and Peregrines. Seabirds wheeling high in the sky connect the sea and sky.

The cliffs and grassland contain rare plants such as Hoary and Sea Stock, Rock Sea- Lavender, Sea Heath and Wild Cabbage. Most of the area is protected as SSSI, not just for

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the rich communities of birds, wildflowers but also seaweeds and particularly for the invertebrates. The Heritage Coasts are a vital landing point for migrating birds and insects and are home to many rare species. The proximity to mainland Europe places the Heritage Coasts in a key position as species migrate in response to climate change.

Marine habitats are a key part of the character and qualities of the two Heritage Coasts as is demonstrated by the two Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) which cover broadly the same areas of the seaward extent.

Dover to Folkestone MCZ is an inshore site which includes the wave-cut intertidal chalk platforms that form an almost continuous reef between Kingsdown, Deal in the north east and Folkestone Warren in the south west.

This MCZ is a highly diverse area with a number of habitats and features of interest. The chalk communities on the seashore are one of the best examples in the region, supporting a range of seaweeds and the animals that associate with them. Rocky outcrops, ledges and boulders support intertidal under boulder communities, an important habitat, of which this example is considered to be one of the best examples in the region. Boulders create shaded areas that provide a refuge to sea squirts, sea mats, and sponges. The undersides of the boulder provide a habitat for animals like sea slugs, long-clawed porcelain crabs and brittlestars, which shelter and feed in the damp shaded conditions. Crabs, fish and young lobsters also scavenge for food and seek shelter amongst the boulders. On the seabed, mixed sediment is rich in mobile animals including brittlestars, squat lobsters, crabs, fish and molluscs, and wild native oysters are found scattered across the site.

Dover to Deal MCZ protects a number of habitats and species. The site helps to protect intertidal under boulder communities, where large boulders provide shaded, cave‐like conditions for unusual algae to thrive, and mobile animals such as long-clawed porcelain crabs, sea slugs and brittlestars shelter amteong sponges. Crabs, fish and young lobsters also scavenge for food and seek shelter amongst the boulders. This site includes excellent examples of littoral chalk communities which are unique communities of seaweeds and the animals that associate with them. Areas of littoral chalk are small in range and such areas are limited within Britain. The area also includes the best example in the region of wave-cut platforms, flat areas at the base of a cliff formed by wave erosion. Below these platforms lie gullies and rock pools, which support several types of seaweed. The chalk foreshore at St Margaret’s Bay has one of the richest communities of algae in the south east. As well as Ross worm reefs subtidal off Kingsdown, there is a well-developed Ross worm reef between Dover and South Foreland, in the lower shore where sand fringes the edge of a chalk reef. The presence of Ross worm reefs on chalk reefs is extremely rare, and this reef is also thought to seed more vulnerable reefs offshore.

The geological exposures of the cliffs form an internationally important stratigraphic reference site for extensive and near-continuous exposures of Lower, Middle and Upper Chalk, historically important for their contribution to the sciences of geology and coastal geomorphology and are all designated as SSSI. The Chalk cliffs and to the west Gault Clay are rich in fossils.DRAFT On the seashore at Copt Point the exposed Greensand forms a series of rock pools with important seaweed colonies. The Greensand was also the home of an active quern stone (corn grinding) industry dating to the first century BC.

Like the natural heritage, the historic and cultural heritage of the Heritage Coasts is of national and international significance, there are frequent cultural references in music, drama, literature, poetry and painting and the built heritage ranges from the magnificent

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Dover Castle to the underground scratches of graffiti in the chalk by a bored, or scared soldier from the Second World War.

The Heritage Coasts are a popular area for quiet countryside recreation; the cliff tops are crossed by the Saxon Shore Way Long Distance Path and the North Downs Way National Trail. The England Coast Path has been created along these sections of coast and there are several areas of open access land. Several areas offer extraordinary, panoramic views across to France. While access to the base of the cliffs can be difficult, it provides a feeling of remote wildness and relative tranquillity with exposure to the elements being a key feature.

9.3 The Heritage Coasts - main issues, opportunities and threats a. Cultivation and coastal erosion have reduced the botanically-rich chalk grassland and associated historic heritage on the cliff tops to a narrow strip, making management difficult and placing the habitat at risk, this has been addressed in several areas and there remains the opportunity to continue this important effort. b. High and rapidly increasing visitor pressure, particularly at the Dover to Kingsdown Heritage Coast and parts of the Folkestone Warren is degrading important habitats and placing the historic heritage at risk and reducing the valued sense of tranquillity as well as the visitor experience – key sites such as the National Trust Visitor Centre exceed their capacity for visitor parking on regular occasions. c. Arable agriculture can sit uncomfortably with the natural beauty and wild scenery of the cliff tops and can damage the historic heritage, a significant opportunity remains further to expand the valued coastal grassland, it is also thought to be causing diffuse pollution affecting the quality of the marine environment. d. Discordant development, for instance caravan parks, visitor resources, and unsympathetic screening attempts occur in the Heritage Coasts. e. The enthusiasm for the area brings an opportunity build on the collaborative management activity and improve coordination and impact. f. Development pressure and traffic growth continues in and in the setting of the Heritage Coast. g. The need to increase understanding of the dynamic nature of the coast, accelerating coastal processes and the impacts of climate change. h. Despite improvements achieved through partnership management but there are remaining areas of inappropriate, antisocial and illegal activities, such as off-roading vehicles, disrespectful wild camping, fly-tipping and vandalism in parts of the Heritage Coasts. DRAFT i. The safety, interpretation, conservation and potential sensitive re-purposing of remaining military and historic structures, many of which are un-designated is a new heritage priority. j. The very high quality, iconic natural and historic environment can be an important

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component of a programme to regenerate the coastal towns of Dover and Folkestone, but the Heritage Coasts are in themselves extremely sensitive to development and visitor pressure. k. Marine litter and air pollution are significant detractors from the character and qualities of the Heritage Coast. l. The opportunity identified and supported by Kent County Council and the Pas-de- Calais Department to secure World Heritage Site status for the Strait of Dover has yet to be realised. The UNESCO Sites Across the Channel (USAC) project offers an opportunity to help realise the ambition. m. Marine Conservation Zones identify nationally important areas of the marine environment and afford the opportunity to generate agreed management plans for each Zone. n. The Heritage Coasts are much loved, genuinely iconic national landscapes with partnerships in place to support their management. o. A new partnership has developed to promote the reintroduction of the chough to the Heritage Coasts; this distinctive and charismatic bird could be a trigger for further collaboration amongst land managers and wider improvements in the habitat of the Heritage Coasts. At the same time the once substantial Kittiwake Colony has disappeared, there is a general lack of trend data of the important wildlife features of the Heritage Coast.

9.4 The Heritage Coasts - aims

A landscape in which:

1. A wide, collaborative approach achieves careful, appropriate management of as well as respect and international recognition for the Heritage Coasts which reflects the extremely high national esteem in which they are held.

2. The extreme importance and sensitivity of the Heritage Coasts are recognised publicly, through appropriate international status and in policy, projects and programmes.

3. The importance and value placed on these iconic landscapes delivers resources and partnerships to ensure their future management and which supports the regeneration of the nearby coastal towns.

4. Lost or damaged marine and coastal habitats and species are recovered and the wildness of our Heritage Coasts is protected and restored. DRAFT

9.5 The Heritage Coasts - principles

HC1 Coastal defence policies and approaches will respect the special character and qualities of the Heritage Coasts, allowing, where practicable, a naturally functioning

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coastline.

HC2 The opportunity to support economic regeneration and recovery through the sustainable and integrated management of the Heritage Coasts in accordance with their defined purposes and those of the AONB will be pursued.

HC3 Threats to the qualities and character of the Heritage Coasts will be resisted and managed.

HC4 A collaborative approach, such as that employed by the WCCP and the Up on the Downs Landscape Partnership, will continue to be pursued to secure the objectives for Heritage Coast strategy and management and address the specific threats and opportunities identified.

HC5 Achieving World Heritage Site status or other appropriate international recognition for the Strait of Dover will be supported.

HC6 The conservation and enhancement of the special characteristics of the Heritage Coasts and Strait of Dover will be pursued through the Marine Plan making process, the development of new Heritage Coast Management Plans and the preparation of Marine Conservation Zone Management Plans.

HC7 The England Coast Path National Trail will be managed in a manner that is sensitive to the landscape character and qualities and in partnership to meet and retain National Trail standards. The conservation and enhancement of the landscape of the corridor of the National Coastal Trail in the Heritage Coasts will be pursued.

HC8 A collaborative strategic approach to manage visitor pressure to benefit the visitor experience, reduce impact, conserve the character and qualities of the area and support sustainable regeneration will be supported.

HC9 New opportunities to secure ‘protective ownership’ of areas of the Heritage Coasts and partnerships to enhance management with existing private and public owners will be supported.

HC10 The extension of the definition of Heritage Coast/ AONB into the marine environment and inclusion of areas currently defined as Heritage Coast within the AONB will be supported.

DRAFT

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10. Geology and natural resources

Contents Summary of changes ...... 101 Our vision ...... 102 10.1 Overview ...... 102 Natural Capital and the provision of ecosystem services ...... 102 10.2 Geology and natural resources - special characteristics ...... 105 Geology ...... 105 Soil ...... 106 Water ...... 106 Air ...... 106 10.3 Geology and natural resources - main issues, opportunities and threats ...... 107 Geology ...... 107 Soils ...... 107 Water ...... 107 Air ...... 108 Ecosystems services and green infrastructure ...... 108 10.4 Geology and natural resources - aims ...... 108 10.5 Geology and natural resources - principles ...... 108 DRAFT

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Our vision for the geology and natural resources of the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… great care is taken to conserve and manage the natural resources of the Kent Downs particularly soil, air, ground and river water. New and innovative ways to both reduce resource use and enhance the existing natural capital have been adopted which support landscape character and qualities, the economy and communities. The need to conserve and enhance natural beauty means mineral resource winning occurs away from the AONB, except in exceptional circumstances, and worked out quarry sites have been restored to enhance local landscape character.

10.1 Overview The natural and cultural features that create the Kent Downs’ sense of place and special character have in large part been governed by the physical environment. Kent Downs natural resources provide vital ecosystem services to the population of Kent and beyond and underpin the quality of the landscape. With significant changes predicted in the natural environment along with substantial new demands placed on our natural resources, positive action and management is an important priority for the conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs.

Natural Capital and the provision of ecosystem services

This plan is strongly informed by a ‘natural capital’ approach; natural capital includes the air, water, soil and ecosystems that support all forms of life, as this approach is overarching for the plan more details are included in section 3.

Geology The AONB encompasses several geological layers each following the broad east-west sweep of Kent. The folded and undulating Chalk, Greensand, Gault Clay and Ragstone have intricate overlying layers of Clay with Flint, sand, river gravels and alluvium together these determine the nature and pattern of the land and soil, and the plants and animals they support.

The geology of the Kent Downs means that mineral winning has been a long run activity, from historic dene holes used to source chalk used to dress acid soils to sand and gravel extraction particularly on the northern edge of the Greensand. Some previous workings have revealed exposures which have been left uncovered and reveal strata of important rocks, minerals and fossils. The Kent Downs AONB and its setting contain important remaining resources of sharp sand, gravels and building sands, many of the less constrained sites across Kent containing these resources have been exploited in the past, are currently being worked or have been allocated in the Kent Mineral Sites Plan, meaning that pressure to exploit the resources in or in the setting of the Kent Downs is expected to potentially increase, whereDRAFT justified by policy, in the future. The approach of the National Planning Policy Framework to mineral winning is reflected in the Kent Minerals and Waste Strategy Local Plan 2013-30 which in-turn recognises the

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importance and sensitivity of the landscapes of the AONB and its setting in its narrative and policies.

Soil Soil is an irreplaceable and often overlooked natural resource, a vital component of our natural capital and an ecology in its own right. The pattern and quality of soil is a key determinant of the AONB’s natural vegetation and is fundamental to land uses choices. In semi-natural habitats, an undisturbed soil structure is a vital ecosystem component.

On cultivated land, careful soil management is a primary principle of good farming and carbon management but overall soil quality has been declining at a UK level. Soil erosion can occur on ploughed steeper slopes of the AONB and where crops are harvested in wet conditions, for instance maize, the soil eventually being washed into adjacent watercourses – adding to the flooding risk. Innovations in farming practice including minimal and zero tillage and regenerative farming provides opportunities to increase soil fertility, carbon storage and reduce emissions.

Pollution or contamination of soil can occur through pesticide and other chemical misuse, which can accumulate over time, and can leach into surface and groundwater supplies. Soil husbandry is increasingly understood to be important for carbon management. The UK Climate Risk Assessment has identified that drier summers leading to increased soil moisture deficits may result in the increased release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Heavy rainfall, especially following a dry period, may increase soil erosion. Improving and restoring soil health is a high priority in Governments 25 Year Environment Plan.

Water The quality and quantity of the ground water aquifer, surface, river and coastal water is determined in no small part by landscape management and other activities. The quantity and quality of ground and surface water is becoming a more critical issue as Kent is set to accommodate very significant population growth (see sections 2 and 3). Abstraction already occurs throughout the AONB and has been linked to low summer river flows particularly of the Rivers Darent and Little Stour. This situation will be exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Not only will these factors have a profound effect on Kent’s potable water supply, but also may impact on the AONB’s physical and ecological character over time.

Nutrients are a continued risk to our important groundwater sources and also to our surface water systems. The Environment Agency estimates that only about 50% of applied Nitrate is used by crops, of the rest, half goes into our aquifers and half goes into our air as Nitrous Oxide – a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. Nitrate can take over 40 years to penetrate our aquifers so we have a long-term legacy to deal with. Phosphate is often a reason that surface waters in the Kent Downs do not meet Water Framework Directive standards. Poor soil management can also result in increased silt in our chalk streams.

Water supply is at the forefront of issues being addressed by water companies through Water ResourceDRAFT Management Planning. There is an increasing coherence of interests between the needs of sustainable landscape management and water resource management providing the opportunity for collaboration between landscape and water resource managers.

The prevalence of fruit farming in Kent and the Kent Downs AONB, along with increasingly uncertain climatic conditions creates a strong demand for irrigation; this creates an additional

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significant pressure in an already stressed water environment. The creation of water storage reservoirs can be at odds to the character of the landscape of the Kent Downs AONB. Abstraction licence reforms are expected to help manage and mitigate the pressures on stressed water environments in the Kent Downs.

The Government is promoting locally focussed decision making and action at the heart of the debate about the future direction of improvements to the water environment. The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) aims to generate more effective stakeholder engagement in order to tackle environmental problems at a more local scale. It is thought that this will particularly help tackle pollution from diffuse sources, by their diffuse nature, local. The collaborative ways of working to consider the needs of the water environment fit comfortably with the AONB management approach.

Within the Chalk and Greensand domes, percolated water forms the groundwater aquifer, which provides 75% of Kent’s drinking water, there is an increasing concern about increased demand for ground-water, over-abstraction, levels of aquifer re-charge and the emergence of nitrates (applied historically) emerging in the aquifer-based water supply. Water quality and availability is one of the biggest issues facing the UK water sector with pressures on availability already evident, especially in southern and eastern England; there are particular pressures in Kent given the substantial growth trajectory and high levels of water usage.

The Kent Downs AONB partnership has led on developing new, landscape-based approaches to the management of flood and drought in a way that supports landscape character and qualities, particularly in the Darent Valley. At the same time, the PROWATER project will report during the plan period; this will provide new information covering the sustainable management of landscapes to support aquifer recharge and water quality in the AONB and elsewhere in Kent. Preliminary findings clearly show that climate changes are expected to decrease aquifer recharge in the coming years. At the same time the conservation-based landscape management highlighted in this plan (e.g. regenerative farming, creation of chalk grassland habitat, slowing overland flow, careful siting of woodland establishment sites and re-establishment of hedgerow patterns) not only increase landscape quality but can enhance aquifer recharge bringing positive co-benefits for the management of natural resources.

The Water Framework Directive and Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies Currently the Management Plan operates within the context of the Water Framework Directive’s (WFD), and it is expected that the provisions of the framework will remain in place for some time following the UK exit from the EU. The main objectives of the WFD are to protect and enhance the water environment and ensure sustainable water resource use for economic and social development.

The scope of the framework is wide, covering lakes, streams, rivers, groundwater, groundwater dependent ecosystems, estuaries and coastal waters out to one mile from the low-water mark. The Environment Agency is the lead authority for implementing the WFD. Whilst the Agency will focus on the appropriate application of regulations and using an evidence-basedDRAFT approach to ensure the most cost-effective actions are taken; improving the health of our natural water environment will require collaborative working across many sectors and making use of local knowledge.

Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) set out how catchment water resource management can contribute to WFD implementation. From the context of the

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AONB landscape it is essential that investments in achieving the WFD and (CAMS) and their successors are taken forward in ways that supports the conservation and enhancement of the special characteristics and qualities of the AONB landscape.

The Kent Downs AONB is covered by two River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs): the Thames and the South East. The RMBPs set out how organisations, stakeholders and communities will work together to improve the water environment. RMBPs are reviewed and revised every 6 years with the next RBMPs expected in 2021.

Air

Clean air is one of the top priorities of the 25 Year Environment Plan and important to the health and well-being of us all as well as the ecosystems around us. It has become increasingly apparent that agriculture, transport and industry are important contributors to air pollution, agriculture being responsible for ammonia and nitrogen emissions as well as carbon dioxide. The Kent Downs is close geographically to several highly trafficked motorways, some pass through the AONB. The Office for National Statistics working with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology researched the extent of removal of harmful pollutants; the findings show that the vegetation of Mid Kent is the 4th highest area in Britain in removing pollution; this particularly significant given the proximity of nearby urban (beneficiary) populations.

10.2 Geology and natural resources - special characteristics

Geology The Kent Downs are valued as a place of spectacular views, dramatic scenery and landscape character and quality. The underlying geology is quite literally the foundation of this natural beauty; the, quality pattern and hues of the landscape. The Chalk in particular is an ever-present component of much of the Kent Downs.

The AONB contains a number of special nationally and regionally important geological or physiographical features, eight of which have been designated as geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) – including the full extent of the Chalk cliffs of the Heritage Coasts, where the exposures are of international significance. Where they are not statutorily designated, some sites have been selected as Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) which are sometimes referred to as Local Geological Sites. DRAFT

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Figure 10.1 Important geological sites in the Kent Downs AONB

Soil The irreplaceable nature of soils, their colour, scents and texture as well as their connection with the pattern of natural vegetation, settlement and land use is a fundamental determinant of the character and qualities of the AONB. An undisturbed soil structure is a vital ecosystem component in woodlands and other semi-natural habitats and soil function is crucial in the Kent Downs AONB landscape contribution to biodiversity loss climate mitigation and adaptation.

Water Water helps define the landscape we see today, the pattern of settlement, landform, agriculture and wildlife are in part determined by the water environment. The Kent Downs AONB is a comparatively dry landscape; rainwater permeates easily through the porous Chalk and Greensand bedrock with generally few areas of standing water, except where Clay-lined dew ponds are present. Where the permeable Chalk and Greensand layers meet impermeable Gault Clay, water seeps out in spring lines. The lower scarp slopes are characterised by historic settlements that have developed around these water sources (e.g. Postling, Hollingbourne and Underriver). These springs flow into the main river catchments, flowing out of DRAFTand sometimes through the AONB including in the three main river valleys of the Darent, Medway and Stour. Our chalk streams and rivers are of international importance because of their nature, beauty and rarity.

Air The Kent Downs offers the opportunity to experience the ‘open air’ clean, fresh air is an

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important natural and perceptual quality of the Downs; it adds to the health and wellbeing that the AONB provides to residents and visitors. The landscape and vegetation pattern of the Kent Downs is particularly important in the air pollution reduction it achieves close to beneficiary populations.

10.3 Geology and natural resources - main issues, opportunities and threats

Geology a. Lack of awareness about the importance of AONB geology and landform. b. There are important mineral resources in the Kent Downs and its setting which are expected to come under further pressure for development as less constrained sites are worked out and as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Future development will be decided within the framework of the NPPF and Kent Minerals and Waste Plan. Mineral workings can have a serious impact on landscape quality. Restoration plans may be affected by the deficit of inert materials which were once more easily obtainable. c. The importance of geological sites and features tends to be overlooked due to lack of information, interpretation, poor management, development, landfill and dumping.

Soils d. Soil erosion, especially on the steeper slopes and under ‘open’ arable crops, such as maize and potentially some biomass crops; climate change enhances this risk. e. Maintaining and improving soil quality is an important priority, for instance through minimal and zero tillage and regenerative agricultural methods, cover and spring crops (with winter stubble) and promoting the relationship between good soil management and climate change mitigation.

Water f. Pollution of rivers and springs from point sources, including public and private sewerage systems, agriculture and fish farms. g. Diffuse pollution from agricultural sources leading to nutrient enrichment, reduced water and elevated levels of silt and pesticides. h. The expected increase in water demand for public use and irrigation in already over abstracted catchments presents major challenges for water resource management and potentially the installation of significant new water infrastructure in or affecting the landscape. DRAFT i. Predicted increase and volume of flooding and drought events. River flooding in the Kent Downs affects localised areas, there is an opportunity to adopt natural flood and drought management approaches which support landscape character and reduce risk.

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j. Need to understand the relationship between landscape management, aquifer recharge and water quality. k. The water companies’ Water Resources Management Plans process provides an opportunity for collaborative working to secure a more resilient water supply at the same time as landscape management which supports landscape character. l. The opportunity to collaborate with the Catchment Based Approach to secure the conservation and enhancement of landscape character as well as delivery of Water Framework Directive (or its successors) objectives – and also ensuring that AONB principles and projects support the WFD.

Air m. The important benefits of clean air are increasingly understood whereas the role of the Kent Downs landscape in providing these services is not well understood and at risk, for instance from tree disease. n. There is a need to reduce air pollution from transport and agriculture in the Kent Downs.

Ecosystems services and green infrastructure o. The significant benefits of Kent Downs ecosystem services are insufficiently recognised and valued and the opportunities to secure payment for them is not yet developed. p. The need to establish and secure the Kent Downs as a vital component of Kent’s green infrastructure provision.

10.4 Geology and natural resources - aims

A landscape in which:

1. A safe, clean environment is protected, conserved and enhanced, where residents, visitors and nearby populations benefit from essential ecosystem services and increased well-being and quality of life.

2. Important geological sites and exposures of the Kent Downs are recognised, conserved and enhanced.

3. The natural capital resources of soil, water and air will be conserved, enhanced and managed in a way which enhances landscape character and quality as well as delivering co-benefits for carbon and nature management.

4. Local sources of pollution indigenous to the AONB are minimised, reduced or controlled.

5. The Kent Downs AONB landscape provides vital ecosystems services, functioning ecosystemsDRAFT and green infrastructure for Kent and the south east.

10.5 Geology and natural resources - principles

GNR1 Activities designed to protect, conserve and enhance the important geological exposures of the Kent Downs will be encouraged. To recognise the importance of the

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geology of the Kent Downs the opportunity to secure Geopark status for the Kent Downs will be explored.

GNR2 Careful management and sensitive restoration of existing minerals and waste sites in or affecting the Kent Downs will be pursued.

GNR3 In the light of potential planning for future mineral supplies a careful approach will be taken to reduce the likely pressure for new minerals sites in or affecting the Kent Downs AONB including promoting re-use and recycling and ensuring the support for the further provision and safeguarding of existing mineral importation wharfs and rail depots to enable alternative sources, from less sensitive areas, to be provided to meet identified needs in Kent.

GNR4 Advice to farmers and land managers which seeks integrated environmental land and natural resource management in the Kent Downs will be encouraged.

GNR5 A strategic collaborative Catchment Based Approach will be taken to the management of the water environment in the Kent Downs AONB to secure a more resilient water supply, achieve good ecological status in the water bodies, use natural solutions to mitigate flooding and secure the conservation and enhancement of the landscape.

GNR6 Additional water abstraction particularly in the Darent and Great Stour river catchments will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that there will not be any harmful impacts upon the special character and qualities of the Kent Downs. Support for Water Resource Management Planning which seeks to secure the conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs AONB landscape will be pursued through collaboration with water companies, authorities and regulators.

GNR7 A collaborative approach will be pursued to secure the provision of appropriate ecosystems services and green infrastructure, which supports the special character and qualities of the Kent Downs, for the benefit of the community and economy, effort will be pursued to secure new Payments for Ecosystems Services (PES) that might benefit the conservation and enhancement of the Kent Downs AONB.

GNR 8 Ensure that projects, proposals and plans as well as future public agricultural payments recognise and seek to protect, conserve enhance the extent, quality and functions of the soil.

GNR 9 Ensure that landscape management practice, plans and policies seek to enhance the clean air benefits that the Kent Downs AONB offers recipient populations.

DRAFT

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11. Quality of Life and Vibrant Communities

Contents Summary record of changes ...... 110 Quality of life ...... 110 11. Vibrant communities ...... 111 Our vision ...... 111 11.1 Overview ...... 111 11.2 Vibrant communities ...... 112 Community, parish planning and neighbourhood plans ...... 114 Community services and enterprises ...... 114 Volunteering ...... 114 Our neighbours ...... 114 Sustainable rural leisure and tourism ...... 115 Community health and well-being ...... 115 11.3 Vibrant communities - main issues, opportunities and threats identified ...... 116 Social exclusion, deprivation and access to services ...... 116 The availability of affordable housing ...... 116 Maintaining and diversifying the employment base ...... 116 Sense of community and belonging ...... 117 Sustainable leisure and tourism ...... 117 11.4 Vibrant communities - aims ...... 117 11.5 Vibrant communities - principles ...... 118 DRAFT

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Quality of life

Secondary purposes of AONB designation

The landscape comes first. The primary purpose of AONB designation is to ‘conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape’; this is the focus of the Management Plan.

The secondary purposes of AONB designation are to take account of the needs of land- based and rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. The demand for recreation should be met in a way that is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses. These needs came into clear focus during the Covid pandemic are expected to come into ever greater focus in the lifetime of this management plan.

The following sections set out how the secondary purposes of AONB designation will be addressed, it recognises that, without the support of a wide range of people the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the landscape will not be achievable. A principal consideration is how secondary purposes relate back to the primary purpose of designation. The challenge for this Management Plan is to find ways in which social and economic well- being, inclusion, public understanding and enjoyment, can be complementary to, and can further support, the primary purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty.

11. Vibrant communities

‘Any attempt to create a division between what visitors need and what locals want will always be arbitrary: lots of people who live in national landscapes love their natural beauty, and lots of people who visit want to be in places which are real communities. It is a shared interest.’ Government’s Landscape Review 2019

Our vision for quality of life and community benefit afforded by the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… a wide diversity of people and communities are central to the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the Kent Downs; they value this special place and feel welcome and are able to enjoy, experience and benefit from the AONB. People and communities have a strong, positive influence over change through being engaged and active participants. Communities’ work and voluntary activity marries social and economic well-being with landscape conservation and enhancement. Individuals and organisations choose to buy goods and services that in themselves benefit the Kent Downs landscape and economy.

The health and well-being benefits of contact with nature and beauty for all have become central to the purposes and management of the landscape and the Kent Downs partnership.

11.1 OverviewDRAFT The Kent Downs AONB is a ‘living part of modern England, not isolated from the forces which shape the rest of society’ the beautiful Downs are located close to millions of people. One aim of this Management Plan must be to find ways of achieving thriving, vibrant communities and a sustainable and prosperous local economy that conserves and enhances this nationally important area. This is why the IUCN Category V definition (see section 2) is

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so important and why combining both people and nature is a particular challenge for this plan.

While an AONB Management Plan is not the primary means for tackling social and economic needs, without the right social and economic conditions, it is difficult to conserve and enhance the valued landscape. In recognition of the importance of vibrant communities to supporting the purposes of the AONBs the Landscape Review has recommended a new purpose for AONBs and National Parks which would be to ‘Foster the economic and community vitality of their area in support of the first two purposes’.

11.2 Vibrant communities

"Rural communities and the economies in them have been ignored and underrated for too long. We must act now to reverse this trend, but we can no longer allow the clear inequalities between the urban and rural to continue unchecked. A rural strategy would address challenges and realise potential in struggling and under-performing areas and allow vibrant and thriving areas to develop further. Doing nothing is not an option." Lord Foster of Bath – Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee for the Rural Economy. The findings of the House of Lords Select Committee (April 2019) for the rural economy and the context, issues and opportunities identified in this plan are largely coherent, but the plan also looks to the important communities beyond the boundary of the AONB seeking a welcoming and inclusive approach.

The population of the Kent Downs AONB in 2011 (most recent census information) is estimated to be approx. 96,000 or around 5.5% of Kent’s population.

Social and economic information is difficult to establish at an AONB level but the most recent information available shows an AONB population which is generally older, with fewer minority ethnic groups than the rest of the county. This is supported by information provided to the independent Landscape Review. The population of the Kent Downs has more white- collar and professional workers than the county as a whole, with higher owner-occupancy and car ownership per household. A higher percentage of people are self-employed, probably resulting in more home-working and indicative of an increasing knowledge-based economy within the AONB, a trend that is thought likely to be accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ease of access to main urban areas, including Greater London, and the attractiveness of the villages and countryside places great demand on most parts of the AONB as a place to live and work and from which to commute. House prices are high and the percentage increase has been higher than the regional average.

There is a lack of affordable and/or rented housing within or adjacent to the AONB particularly for young people and families, and people on lower incomes (including public sector workers and those employed in the land-based industries). This creates ‘hidden households’ whereDRAFT young adults continue to live with parents rather than establishing themselves independently.

Incomes are higher than the regional average and are around the average for people living in a protected landscape.

Not surprisingly, the percentage of people employed in land-based economic activities is

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double that for the county as a whole, although this figure is a small part of the overall AONB workforce (3.8%). However AONB residents from other industry sectors are in similar proportion to the county as a whole; hotels and restaurants have been important employers in the Kent Downs AONB but the hospitality industry has been very severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Kent Rural Delivery Framework evidence base described Kent’s rural communities as active and entrepreneurial; they are a considerable asset which can be harnessed to secure the future of the AONB. Rural poverty and exclusion is regarded as a hidden but real issue in a number of communities particularly for isolated elderly people, people with disabilities, migrant workers and some young families. While lower than the regional average the Index of Multiple Deprivation is higher than for other South East National Landscapes. Added to this, there are five wards on or immediately adjacent to the AONB boundary with high social and economic needs.

The importance of traditional land-based economic activities to the AONB’s rural income is small and declining. However, a number of other employment sectors and industries (such as transportation, distribution, tourism and retail) depend on land-based activities and landscape to some extent. The diversification of the employment base in a way which supports the landscape character and special characteristics of the AONB needs to be encouraged and developed. The community heritage knowledge which resides with older generations of residents is a valuable resource for the celebration of the landscape and community vibrancy.

Some of the challenges for communities of the Kent Downs are to maintain balance and diversity given limited housing availability and high house prices, an aging population and sometimes difficult access to services. The provision of affordable local needs housing which is of sensitive design and location is a high priority identified by Action with Communities in Rural Kent (ACRK) through their community engagement, and this has been supported by the Landscapes Review evidence.

Evidence from the Kent Downs partnership and other Protected Landscapes shows that to be ‘thriving and vibrant’ communities need good access to services, social and community links, places to meet and interact, places for recreation and work, links beyond the immediate community, access to jobs, good digital connectivity and community activities and engagement. Rural deprivation issues also require close attention and support. In the context of a protected landscape these community needs should be met in ways which support the qualities and characteristics of the landscape; indeed landscape and environmental conservation and design can be a good focus for community development.

The Kent Downs AONB has benefitted from substantial investment supporting sustainable rural development through various EU programmes including Interreg and LEADER. The exit from the EU places these at risk and there is concern that the Shared Prosperity Fund may not provide a comparable or improved replacement.

‘One thing stoodDRAFT out, talking to people in the course of this review and examining the responses to our call for evidence. They worry that longstanding communities feel under great pressure, and point in particular to house prices and jobs.’ Government’s Landscape Review 2019

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Community, parish planning and neighbourhood plans There has been long running support for community and parish planning in the Kent Downs AONB. Community engagement in understanding the built and cultural heritage can be important to community identity and activity. There are a variety of community planning approaches including Village Design Statements, Parish Plans; neighbourhood planning and Conservation Plans.

The Localism Act introduced the neighbourhood planning system, Neighbourhood planning gives communities the opportunity to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and help shape the development and growth of their local area. Neighbourhood plans can influence where communities propose new homes, shops and offices are built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided. Neighbourhood Plans have to be in conformity with relevant development plans.

Community services and enterprises There has been long run concern about the decline in community and village services such as village shops, post offices, churches and pubs and a fear that the Covid Pandemic will accelerate this. Consequently the loss of such assets can trigger the creation of community run enterprises which in themselves are a community development catalyst and can be a vehicle to support a sustainable local economy which supports landscape character there are several examples across the AONB of successful community run facilities working alongside more ‘traditional’ businesses.

Volunteering There is already a strong voluntary ethic in and around the Kent Downs; Parish Councils, conservation volunteers, charities, tree and river wardens, footpath volunteers, walks leaders, religious groups, village and community enterprises and the Countryside Partnerships all rely on voluntary efforts and often this supports landscape conservation and the enhancement of communities. Participating in volunteering can provide healthy exercise and social interaction and is known to benefit health and well-being; even life expectancy is greater for those who participate in volunteering. Given the wide and established volunteer groups the AONB Partnership has deliberately sought not to ‘compete’ with existing volunteer organisations but to support them.

The Government’s Landscape Review strongly promotes expanding volunteering in our national landscapes through the support of a National Landscape Service, as this emerges the Kent Downs AONB response should be positive but should not undermine but strengthen existing volunteer groups.

Much of the volunteer ‘force’ benefiting the Kent Downs AONB is made up of actively retired individuals; there is a concern that as work and life patterns change this resource may reduce substantively.

Our neighboursDRAFT The Kent Downs AONB is in a unique position of being so close to major urban and growth areas and London. There are well over 1 million people living within one kilometre of the Kent Downs AONB boundary, many are areas of high social and economic need and the growth trajectory for Kent is unprecedented (see sections 2). The AONB offers a place for recreation, health and well-being to these communities, but the relationship needs to be

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carefully developed so that all benefit and landscape qualities and community life are not compromised. We know from the Landscape Review and Kent Downs AONB led research that there are considerable barriers to many people and communities to accessing and enjoying the Kent Downs landscape, these are covered in more detail in section 12.

Sustainable rural leisure and tourism Sustainable rural leisure and tourism has been identified as a key way to support the socio- economic well-being of rural areas. Providing jobs and supporting community services, sustainable rural tourism of itself can be a catalyst for community development. Sustainable tourism has been defined as “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, and the environment and host communities.” Making Tourism More Sustainable – A Guide for Policy Makers, UNEP World Tourism Organization.

Perception research taken forward by Visit Kent in 2017 show that the main perceptions of Kent are to do with the coast, scenic countryside, the culture, gardens and historic buildings, food and festivals. The countryside is referred to frequently. In particular there are mentions of a variety of scenery, ‘quiet countryside’, the garden of England, orchards, hops, oast houses. Kent sustains a leadership position when it comes to tourist perceptions. Even amongst those who have never visited Kent, the region is seen more positively than its neighbours on the most motivating imagery dimensions including, Coastal, Rural, Historic, Nature, Food & Drink and Seaside.’ Visit Kent 2018 Many of these features are provided ‘in spades’ by the landscapes of the Kent Downs

As part of the evidence gathering for this Management Plan review it became clear that ‘over visiting’ has rapidly become an issue across the AONB particularly on countryside with heritage sites. Visitor site car parks are often full by mid-morning on a sunny weekend and the visitor experience at risk of declining, along with erosion to paths, damage to the historic, natural and cultural heritage as well as loss of tranquillity. Making tourism and recreation more sustainable is not just about controlling and managing the negative impacts, tourism and recreation are in a special position to benefit local communities economically and socially, and to raise awareness and support for environmental conservation.

In recognising the importance of sustainable rural tourism, the Kent Downs AONB Unit has taken a lead, the EXPERIENCE project a £3m E.U. funded project which seeks to improve facilities to promote off season visiting, encourage sustainable tourism and promote new sites and visitor resources so reducing pressure on ‘honey pots’. In support the Kent Downs AONB, Visit Kent and Produced in Kent have agreed a Joint Statement and Action Plan.

‘There are lots of benefits to communities from designation – pubs and village shops are kept busy, and more visitors means more people who might support bus services. Studies, which are largely based on surveys of businesses in national landscapes, provide strong evidence that environmental quality in general, and in national landscapes in particular, help to support a significant proportion of local economic activity.’ Government Landscape Review

CommunityDRAFT health and well-being The evidence is clear that there are multiple physical and mental health benefits from access and contact with beautiful places; these range from just feeling enlivened after a walk in the open air to significant therapeutic interventions with those with dementia, have experienced trauma or, for instance, suffer from cardio-vascular disease. The desire to visit the countryside was made incredibly apparent after the first national ‘Lock Down’ during the

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Covid-19 pandemic. The NHS recruitment of link workers along with local authority and primary care social prescribers to boost social prescribing demonstrates that the evidence has effected change in practice. The AONB landscape and partnership has a significant opportunity to collaborate with local authorities, charities, Public Health and the NHS to support social prescribing and to develop partnership projects and strategic programmes that can change lives including for seriously affected families and individuals.

The Government’s Landscape Review promotes a new statutory duty for AONBs and National Parks; one of the 27 proposals specifically supports the landscapes catering for and improving the nation’s health and wellbeing and promotes a new statutory purpose, to: ‘actively connect all parts of society with these special places to support understanding, enjoyment and the nation’s health and wellbeing’. The Kent Downs AONB partnership strongly supports this ambition.

11.3 Vibrant communities - main issues, opportunities and threats identified

Social exclusion, deprivation and access to services a. A number of areas and wards around and within the AONB have high levels of social deprivation, health inequality and communities experience substantial barriers to experiencing and benefiting from the AONB. Within the AONB community diversity is low, rural poverty, social exclusion and isolation can be ‘hidden’ and is an issue for some elderly people, minority ethnic groups, migrant workers, people with disabilities and those on low incomes. b. Retaining and improving access to, and provision of, local services and facilities including super-fast and gigabit capable broadband, post offices, village shops, public houses and community infrastructure. c. Community facilities and services, such as schools, libraries, public transport, social care and doctors’ surgeries, are unevenly available and accessible. d. There is limited up-to-date specific data on the social and economic profile of the Kent Downs.

The availability of affordable housing e. Housing prices have continued to rise, in some parts, well above and faster than the national average. f. Considerable demand for affordable and local needs housing in many parishes in the AONB

MaintainingDRAFT and diversifying the employment base g. Decline in farming and forestry employment, although both industries are still important economically in terms of maintaining Kent Downs character. h. Skills gap for some local employers, such as locally based skilled forestry and farm

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workers as well as heritage skills. i There are opportunities to widen the employment base in ways that can support the purposes of the AONB which should be pursued as part of the ‘green recovery’.

Sense of community and belonging j The need to attach people to place and landscape heritage where an increasing proportion of the population are not directly involved in landscape management. k The need to overcome barriers to accessing and enjoying the landscape for a more diverse range of people l. The need to improve community recognition and value of the special characteristics of the AONB to secure its future conservation and enhancement. m. The need for support to achieve greater and a more diverse community capacity and involvement in decisions affecting the AONB.

Sustainable leisure and tourism n. There is an opportunity and demonstrable need to sustainably manage the numbers, impact and income from visitors to benefit local people, local services and support the conservation and enhancement of the AONB landscape. o. Some areas within the AONB suffer either from over capacity or overuse, leading to a detrimental impact on both the landscape character and qualities, visitor experience and host communities, the advent of E.L.M. funding provides an opportunity to invest in better provision p. The departure of the UK from the EU raises concerns about how sustainable rural development will be supported.

11.4 Vibrant communities - aims

A landscape in which:

1. Thriving, diverse, vibrant, welcoming communities understand, recognise and value the special qualities of the AONB and play an active role in its conservation and enhancement while reducing their environmental impact.

2. A strong and sustainable rural economy supports the special characteristics and qualities of the AONB and is supported by residents and visitors, who value and use sustainable local produce and services. DRAFT 3. There is well designed, sustainable and affordable housing, particularly for workers employed in the land-based economy and conservation of the AONB’s landscape, social and economic vitality.

4. Accessible, affordable local services and facilities are available to all and are well- used throughout the AONB.

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5. The high quality environment and landscape of the AONB is seen as an asset to local businesses, which in turn contribute to the conservation of the landscape through the use of local sustainable goods and labour and through active conservation and enhancement.

6. The area is recognised by both local communities and visitors as a premier sustainable tourism destination.

7. The environmental impact of AONB communities is stabilised and reduced.

8. The health and wellbeing benefits offered to communities and individuals are actively pursued.

9. Barriers to more and more diverse communities benefitting from the inspiration and beauty afforded by the landscapes of the AONB are overcome.

11.5 Vibrant communities - principles

VC1 Community and business initiatives that improve the recognition, engagement in and conservation of the Kent Downs AONB and encourage community life will be pursued.

VC2 Positive and sustainable links between the Kent Downs AONB (landscape, communities and partnership) and nearby communities, particularly from excluded groups and from neighbouring deprived areas will be pursued.

VC3 Initiatives which are in line with existing policies of the Local Planning Authority that increase and improve the supply of affordable housing for (i) those with proven local needs, and (ii) workers whose activities directly contribute to the purposes of the AONB designation, will be supported where it is demonstrated that the proposals are suitably located, of high-quality design, limited quantity and scale and are built to the best current environmental standards.

VC4 The retention and development of local services, facilities and employment opportunities in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Kent Downs AONB and reduce the need to travel by car and maintain viable rural communities will be supported.

VC5 Skills training and business development assistance will be encouraged where they contribute to the viability of communities and meet the purposes and principles of the AONB designation and partnership.

VC6 The development of sustainable visitor and tourism facilities will be pursued where they enhanceDRAFT people’s enjoyment and understanding of the AONB without detracting from its special characteristics and qualities. The Kent Downs AONB partnership will pursue sustainable tourism zone status.

VC7 Tourism and leisure businesses in the Kent Downs AONB will be encouraged to adopt the principles of sustainable tourism and to demonstrate their commitment to

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sustainability.

VC8 Local communities will be encouraged to prepare and promote Village Design Statements, Parish Plans and Neighbourhood Plans (in conformity with relevant development plans) as appropriate to assist in the conservation and enhancement of local distinctiveness as settlements evolve.

VC9 Opportunities to better understand the social and economic profile of the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued.

VC10 Support will be given to groups that encourage volunteering in the Kent Downs. In the event of the recommendations of the Landscapes Review regarding AONBs roles in volunteering being supported by Government an approach with continues to support local groups will be established.

VC 11 Opportunities to enhance the health and wellbeing of communities and individuals both within and around the Kent Downs AONB will be actively pursued to increase provision and better bring together and coordinate provision of health and wellbeing ‘assets’ in local settings within the AONB.

DRAFT

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12. Access, enjoyment and understanding

Contents Summary of changes ...... 120 Our vision ...... 121 12.1 Overview and context...... 121 Managing access in the Kent Downs ...... 122 The Kent and Medway Rights of Way Improvement Plans ...... 122 Open access land ...... 122 Coastal access ...... 122 Visitors to the Kent Downs ...... 122 Walking ...... 124 Cycling ...... 125 Horse riding and driving ...... 126 Organised events ...... 126 Access for Artistic and Cultural expression ...... 127 Field sports ...... 127 Country motor sports ...... 127 Road users ...... 127 Access for people with restricted mobility and socially excluded groups ...... 128 Health and well-being ...... 128 Education and children ...... 128 Information and interpretation ...... 129 12.2 Access, enjoyment and understanding - main issues, opportunities and threats .... 129 12.3 Access, enjoyment and understanding - aims ...... 130 12.5 Access,DRAFT enjoyment and understanding - principles ...... 130

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Our vision for access, enjoyment and understanding in the Kent Downs AONB In 2031… the Kent Downs AONB is a place of natural beauty with opportunity and access for all people; they feel welcome to participate in quiet recreation for health, relaxation, enjoyment and for cultural and artistic expression.

Improved management ensures that the Public Rights of Way and much of the highway network is safe, quiet and convenient for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and public transport along with active travel is an attractive option to reach and enjoy the landscape. Maintenance and enhancement of the Public Rights of Way and highway network is sympathetic to biodiversity and landscape character.

The Kent Downs AONB is recognised, valued and celebrated by residents, visitors and by those who simply delight in the fact that it is there.

12.1 Overview and context The Kent Downs AONB offers some of England’s most captivating and accessible countryside. The AONB has a resident population of over 96,000 people, however a further in excess of one million live within one kilometre and over 2 million within 10km of the boundary.

The AONB has 1876km/1166miles of Public Rights of Way network which is four times the density of the national average. The Kent Downs accommodates 40% of Kent’s bridleways and 50% of Kent’s byways on 23% of the county land area. For this important resource to be used there is clear evidence from the Public Rights of Way improvement plan evidence base that its maintenance, connection and promotion are key.

The AONB is crossed by or adjacent to four motorways, many trunk and ‘A’ roads, and hundreds of smaller roads. It is served by five railway lines with 27 railway stations and numerous bus routes and services. The Port of Dover, the UK’s busiest ferry terminal, as well as the Channel Tunnel terminal are both immediately adjacent to the AONB. Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations are in easy reach.

While there is often concern about the impact of recreation, carefully managed access to attractive countryside, particularly walking, cycling and horse riding can bring physical and mental health benefits, enable people to enjoy a great landscape, reconnect with nature and provide support to the local economy. The review of payments for land management which will follow the UK’s exit from the EU provides a major opportunity to invest in new, well managed access which enables and encourages a diversity of users to access the landscape as part of a package Environmental Land Management (E.L.M.) payments which will use ‘publicDRAFT money for public good’.

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Managing access in the Kent Downs Under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000), Countryside Access Forums for Kent as well as Medway have been established. The role of the Forums is to advise on the improvement of public access to land within Kent for the purpose of open-air recreation and enjoyment. The Countryside Access Forums also responds to Government consultations, contributes to the Kent Countryside Access Improvement Plan and steer and monitor access and recreation policy in Kent and Medway.

The Kent and Medway Rights of Way Improvement Plans Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000), Highway Authorities have a duty to develop a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). Kent’s ROWIP was adopted as county policy in 2018 its vision is “To provide a high quality, well-maintained Public Rights of Way network, that is well used and enjoyed. The use of the network will support the Kent economy, encourage active lifestyles and sustainable travel choices that support health and wellbeing, and contribute to making Kent a great place to live, work and visit”.

The Kent ROWIP identified 6 key priorities for action; to encourage active lifestyles and utilisation of the Rights of Way for all of the many benefits these bring people, to evolve the network to meet future demand, to have good knowledge of use of the network and barriers to the use, to ensure a well maintained network of public Rights of Way, ensure that statutory responsibilities are taken forward and stator compliance is delivered and to work efficiently and enhanced our understanding of when and why people use the Rights of Way network and what the barriers are to use. In Medway a revised ROWIP was adopted in April 2020, the plan sets out priorities and actions to improve Medway’s public rights of way over a 10 year period. The actions, focused around four themes, target the provision of a high quality, well maintained public rights of way network which is aimed to should then help everyone to have the chance to visit Medway’s outstanding countryside, including the Kent Downs. The plan is also intended to help people make active lifestyles and sustainable travel choices.

Open access land Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act around 0.6% of Kent and Medway has been dedicated for open access; the majority of this is chalk downland, along with registered common land and parkland within the AONB. 46% of open access land in Kent is within the Kent Downs AONB (23% of the County). Open access land is managed by Kent County Council as the Access Authority, additionally the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust has dedicated their land for open access. In many cases access land was already available through time limited agreements. However where large tracts of land have been mapped, for instance around Dover, there are significant access opportunities.

Coastal access The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 placed a duty on Natural England to improve access to the English coast through the creation of a continuous long-distance walking route, the ‘England Coast Path National Trail’. The England Coast Path has been defined along the two Heritage Coasts of the Kent Downs AONB. The path provides a Coastal Access Margin on the seawardDRAFT side of the new path, similar to open access land, providing significantly more access than the path itself. The North Downs Way National Trail and the new England Coast Path National Trail are increasingly building partnership working arrangements to share experience and enhance the potential benefits of the Coast Path.

Visitors to the Kent Downs

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Limited visitor information is available for the AONB as a whole; Visit Kent’s research (2019) shows 66.5 million visitors for Kent, generating a total tourism value of £4.1 billion (up 7.3% compared to 2017) and supporting more than 81,000 jobs. It is also clear from Visit Kent research that visits to the countryside and heritage sites are important motivators for many visits to Kent. The current estimates for Kent Downs AONB visitor numbers is approximately 20 million visits a year, which is similar to the Cotswolds AONB.

Evidence from the Landscapes Review shows that there are around 100m visits to National Parks each year; and around 170m visits to AONBs but the benefit is not shared amongst all sections of society.

The Landscape Review states that ‘statistics show certain groups especially disconnected. Most visits are made by the same (better off, less diverse) people repeatedly, and those who miss out are the older, the young – especially adolescents – and those from lower socio- economic groups and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities: • 13% of children (under 16) and 5% of young people (aged 16-24) typically never visit the natural environment or even spend any of their leisure time outdoors. • Children are spending less time unsupervised outside and children from black, Asian and minority ethnic, and low income, communities are even less likely to do so. • 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never visit the natural environment at all. • 20% fewer Visibly Minority Ethnic (VME) children go out into green spaces weekly compared to white, middleclass children. • Children from deprived backgrounds visit 10% more than VME children. • The numbers of children going on school visits to the countryside is shockingly low at just 6-7%. • The groups which visit the countryside least are those aged 65 and over, members of the black, Asian and minority ethnic population and residents living in the most deprived areas of England.’

In 2020 the Kent Downs AONB Unit conducted research into the barriers to making access to the landscape more inclusive and diverse, with a particular focus on the opportunities presented by post EU agricultural support – Environmental Land Management. While detailed and considering all of the protected characteristics of the Equalities Act the findings presented some clear messages:

• There are many barriers to access including physical, economic, societal and perceptual barriers. Some of the barriers to greater diversity and inclusion are built into the language, systems and governance of National Landscapes and countryside management; they are institutional and this should be recognised in order to effect change. • Investments in new access need to be intelligently targeted to where they will achieve real benefit • There is an opportunity to think differently about paying to provide access, this will include improving the physical infrastructure of access but must also include non- typicalDRAFT investments such as paying for community engagement champions, facilitators, transport and training.

• Investment in enhancing access should not only be for areas of land or length of path but for the intensity of benefit to the recipients, for instance small areas of land can provide transformational benefit for very troubled or traumatised people. In other

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areas simple changes (like short connections between public rights of way) can have a high level of benefit for low investment. • Recipients or intended beneficiaries should be involved in the design of new access schemes. • Investments need to be long term, it can be more damaging to have short run ‘projects’ that achieve some benefit then drop away; this is as true for farmers and land managers as it is for those experiencing new access. • Providing new access should not be mandatory for farmers and land managers – it should be taken up where it makes sense to do so and farmers and land managers are willing to engage. Advisors and convenors should encourage farmers and land managers to become involved in target areas. • Improving access can be good for everyone –farmers and land managers might benefit at least equally to those enjoying the access this might be through new payments, diversification opportunities, overcoming problematic access and overcoming social exclusion are examples. • Land management plans should include opportunities to divert access from ecologically sensitive sites. This could be either by providing alternative routes or improving the quality of surfacing to encourage footfall along certain less sensitive routes

• Better recognition, connection and management of the public rights of way network is an important priority – which links to the findings of the ROWIPs

While it is clear that there are many people who are not benefiting from access to the beautiful landscapes of the Kent Downs, evidence from the engagement stage of this Management Plan review shows clearly that many visitor sites are now experiencing ‘over visiting’ such that parking facilities are often overwhelmed at weekends and the visitor experience can be harmed as well as the landscape character and qualities of the areas that people are seeking to visit.

While visitor numbers are already growing rapidly the population of Kent is destined to grow at an unprecedented pace; in the period to 2031 the population of Kent is expected to increase by about ¼ placing increasing pressure on already pressurised sites.

Investing in new sustainable and inclusive access arrangements is an important, indeed vital priority.

Walking There is strong policy support at a national and local level to promote walking and cycling, this ranges from the National Planning Policy Framework to the Kent Active Travel Plan. The density of Public Rights of Way in the Kent Downs is four times higher than the national average. This is an invaluable asset and enables access to and enjoyment of virtually all parts of the AONB and can provide good links between the Downs and local towns and villages. The use of footpaths in the AONB is unevenly distributed with greater usage in the west and aroundDRAFT ‘honey pot’ attractions.

The evidence base for the Kent Rights of Way improvement Plan identifies key priorities for the improvement and enhancement of the network which would support better use, a common theme is the enhancement of the quality of paths and bridleways including better surfaces, fewer barriers, clear signing and more accessible information. The need for clear

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signing is supported by research by Cycling UK as well as the Kent Downs Test and Trial.

Of national importance is the North Downs Way National Trail which starts at Farnham in Surrey and follows the North Downs through Surrey and Kent to Dover with a loop via Canterbury. Of the 153 mile trail, 70 miles lie within the AONB. Based on data from people counters on the Trail management estimates 550,000 users on the trail in 2016 based on a 5% year on year rise in use over the last 10 years which included a 14% increase in 2015.

National Trails are promoted as long-distance routes, although user surveys show that the majority of use on the North Downs Way tends to be for shorter walks. The opportunity to upgrade appropriate sections of the North Downs Way to include cyclists and horse riders is being considered and is supported. Two regional routes, the Saxon Shore Way and Greensand Way also pass through the Kent Downs, and there are a number of county recreational routes.

Figure 12.1 Promoted walking routes in Kent

Cycling Cycling is increasinglyDRAFT popular and can be a sustainable means of transport and recreation and is generally a quiet activity with low impact on the countryside. The increased prevalence of e-cycles makes the sometimes very steep hills of the Kent Downs now much more accessible to a greater number of people on cycles. Opportunities for off-road cycling in the AONB have been developed by Sustrans and Cycle UK however in certain circumstances the increasing popularity of off road cycling is putting pressure on the Public

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Rights of Way network, at the same time some cyclists and other users stray from permitted routes and cause damage to paths, farmland and sensitive habitats or historic sites. Sections of two National Cycle Routes and two regional routes pass though the AONB and the Pilgrims Cycle Trail, from Rochester to Canterbury, provides an arterial route through the Kent Downs. There are also a number of locally promoted on and off-road cycle routes. Dedicated cycling routes are proposed as an effective and low impact link between the Kent Downs and nearby urban and growth areas.

Following a significant increase in requests for cycling information along the North Downs Way, a partnership with Cycling UK and Sustrans has been established to create a linear multi user route to allow cyclists, horse riders and mobility vehicles to explore the Trail and AONB. A combination of proximity to large urban populations, the advance of cycle technology (mountain bikes/ e-bikes) and the rapid rise of cycling is driving the need to provide infrastructure and information for these purposes.

Horse riding and driving Although the network is limited, 40% of Kent’s bridleways are in the AONB, making the Kent Downs a significant area for horse riding in Kent. The latest information (provided for the previous AONB Management Plan) estimates 100,000 riders in Kent, 50,000 regular riders, and horse numbers between 30 and 40,000 (Land Use Consultants/KCC). Evidence from the British Horse Society (BHS) and the Public Rights of Way teams (from maintenance spend) indicates that the increasing use of bridleways is damaging the route fabric. The BHS in Kent estimates a population of 90 horses per kilometre of bridleway, creating significant pressure on the network. Horse riding, driving and equine events provide important opportunities for access, exercise, health and wellbeing and can provide access opportunities for those with disabilities and mental health therapeutic needs.

Horse riding, like cycling and walking is increasingly difficult and dangerous on rural roads because of the volume and speed of traffic and the bridleway network in Kent is limited.

Other opportunities for informal countryside recreation are generally provided on the many open access sites, picnic sites and facilities across the AONB. These include 12 Country Parks and picnic sites, 44 Village Greens (44.9ha) and 48 areas of Registered Common Land (442.7ha). Access for informal recreation is also available at a number of National Trust properties concentrated on the Greensand Ridge south of Sevenoaks, parts of the White Cliffs Heritage Coast, Forestry Commission-owned woodland and sites owned and managed by Kent Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust.

Organised events The continued strong growth in organised events for a range of outdoor activities including cycling sportives on-road and trail (cross-country), running, duathlons, triathlons, sponsored walks, orienteering and geocaching has increased substantively. Events are led by a range of organisations including charitable bodies, sports clubs, and increasingly local events companies specialising in running and cycling events, such as Nice Work based in East Sussex which operate several events in and around Kent. Local running clubs are also active in this area, suchDRAFT as Istead and Ifield Harriers (North Downs Run) and Centurion Running (North Downs 50 and 100). In 2017 Pilgrims Hospice ran a walking challenge from Wye to Dover. In its second year of running in 2019 the event attracted 500 walkers with plans to develop this further. The North Downs Way alone sees over 10,000 people/ year take part in these events with new events appearing at around 4 new events each year. Inevitably this leads to an increase in users training for these events and training for other similar events in

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other locations. Transport connections to large populations make the landscape and trail attractive assets for event organisers.

Access for Artistic and Cultural expression The Kent Downs has long provided an important location for the creation and research of many creative projects. In recent years this activity has increased with artists and cultural practitioners focussed on outcomes that are more sustainable and connect to environmental concerns. There are several areas of the AONB where people can access and enjoy great art; there is an opportunity for the partnership to provide infrastructure and partnerships that can support this work. New opportunities arise from the National Association for AONBs Arts Strategy and the bid for a Medway City of Culture in 2025.

Field sports The Kent Downs landscape lends itself to pheasant shooting and hunting with extensive areas of woodland and tree cover and arable and mixed farm use. It is estimated that game bird shooting generates at least £10 million per annum for the local economy and is one of the most economically important uses for Kent Downs woodlands. However, conflicts arise because of overstocking with pheasants; woodland management for game birds; the impact of the stocked bird populations on wild plant and animal communities and the landscape impact of game bird cover crops. A collaborative project with the Game Conservancy Trust has produced best practice guidance for game bird management in the Kent Downs.

Fishing is also popular although the Kent Downs offers limited scope for course and freshwater fishing, such as along the river and gravel pits of the Great Stour valley. Sea fishing is also popular off parts of the Heritage Coast, such as St Margaret’s Bay and Samphire Hoe where national competitions are held.

Country motor sports Country motor sports are growing in popularity and are of special relevance in the AONB as the Kent Downs (23% of Kent’s land area) accommodates 53% of the byways. Activities include events on public roads such as car tours, treasure hunts and road rallies along with green-laneing and trail riding on byways. While responsible users promote good practice and respect for others, the use of byways and unmetalled roads by 4x4 vehicles and motorbikes, although legal, can lead to significant conflicts with other users because of disturbance, safety issues and damage to the Rights of Way surface. There remains illegal use of footpaths and bridleways by motorised vehicles, and the use of byways to access the wider landscape. These and other recreational activities can negatively affect the tranquillity of the AONB which is a much-valued component of natural beauty.

Road users The rural road network of the Kent Downs is often of ancient origin and its pattern is an important part of the special character and qualities of the landscape. The Kent Growth and Infrastructure Framework identifies traffic growth and congestion as an important issue in Kent and the Kent Downs is not immune; the roads of the Kent Downs provide well used north south linksDRAFT through the county and are also used as an important way to access the landscape and the main UK Europe transport routes pass partly through or very close by the AONB. A series of major infrastructure and development proposals, such as the Lower Thames Crossing, London Resort and ‘garden’ towns outside the AONB have the potential of increasing traffic through the AONB. Greater reliance on the car is partly thought to be because people perceive roads to be dangerous to walk or cycle. The KCC road safety rural campaign states that rural roads account for 3/5 of road fatalities, which are focused on

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roads to and from urban areas.

The historic and ancient routeways and paths are susceptible to damage by modern vehicular use, detracting from the enjoyment of the area by walkers and cyclists and damaging the fabric of the lane.

Access for people with restricted mobility Greater recognition of the needs of socially excluded groups, and legislation including the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005, and subsequently the Equalities Act are leading to enhanced efforts to meet the needs of all, including people with disabilities, on low incomes or without access to private transport.

Research from the Kent Countryside Access Improvement Plan has shown that 18% of people with a disability never visit the natural environment, compared with 8% of the non- disabled population. Research found that disabled people visited the countryside to enjoy views, the landscape and to relax and they perceived the countryside as inherently rewarding and beneficial to the same degree as the wider population, especially for the psychological benefits. In addition, accessing the natural environment gave people with disabilities a sense of continuity between their disabled and non-disabled selves, and a sense of achievement.

For people with mobility restrictions there are a growing number of promoted routes and sites and user groups are taking active and welcome steps to support wider access for all.

Health and well-being There is compelling evidence for the health and well-being benefits of contact with nature and access to the countryside. With a rapidly increasing urban population in Kent and London along with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a special focus on the role of the Kent Downs landscape in providing these significant multiple benefits. The evidence base for the Rights of Way Improvement plan added to this saying ‘Our research showed that the clear majority of PROW users experienced only positive feelings relating to vitality and happiness when using the network, showing how valuable the network is in improving people’s quality of life through health and wellbeing benefits.’ This evidence base is being recognised in the NHS and in the early years of the plan the NHS will be recruiting ‘link workers’ to connect prescribers with local agencies which can provide support for a wide range of people for instance with long-term conditions, need support with their mental health, are lonely or isolated or have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

Education and children Over the next 20 years, today’s children and young people will become tomorrow’s decision makers. If we are to secure a future for this precious landscape, and our environment more generally, we should actively encourage understanding and education for young people. The close proximity of substantial urban areas to the Kent Downs AONB offers a special opportunity to promote exciting and engaging activities for schools and families. The disconnectionDRAFT between children and the natural environment has been described as ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ and its consequences and the opportunities to address it have been documented in a National Trust report. One of the ‘stand out’ recommendations of the Government’s Landscape Review was to offer all children a night under the stars.

There are many opportunities to reconnect children with nature (and dark night skies), link education activities to the national curriculum and to strengthen the understanding,

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enjoyment and celebration of the AONB landscape.

Information and interpretation At the heart of enjoyable countryside recreation is high quality accessible information that helps visitors plan their use of the Kent Downs and increases the understanding and satisfaction of their experience. Information is currently available in a variety of forms but tends not to be coordinated and may display unconscious bias. The Landscape Review as well as the Rights of Way Improvement Plan have identified the need for better information and clearer signing as a priority for the future management of National Landscapes to benefit visitors and local people alike.

No specific AONB visitor centres exist, although many of the existing centres do provide information about the Kent Downs.

12.2 Access, enjoyment and understanding - main issues, opportunities and threats a. There is a structural inequality in the access and enjoyment of the beauty of the Kent Downs, a variety of groups and individuals experience significant barriers to enjoying the landscape, research has shown many ways to help overcome these barriers. b. The very rapid growth trajectory for Kent will generate new opportunities for and pressures from access for enjoyment, health and well-being. c. There is a need to identify how the CRoW Act open access sites can bring wider benefits and links to education and information provision. d. Differences in requirements and uses between rightful PRoW users (horse riders, cyclists, motorbikes, 4x4s and walkers, those with dogs) can result in conflicts. e. Conflicts between rightful PRoW users and illegal users, fly-tipping, dumping and path obstruction. f. The increasing popularity of horse riding and off road cycling which is focused particularly on the AONB, putting pressure on the rights of way network farm land and wildlife sites. The need to enhance, extend, connect and improve fragmented Public Rights of Way network and secure higher rights on PRoW without harming the characteristics and qualities of the AONB. g. Estimated day visitor numbers are high and increasing and peaked during the Covid pandemic. Pressure on the special characteristics and qualities of the AONB as well as particular countryside routes, sites and areas can be very high but unevenly distributed, concern about ‘over visiting’ has been reported by farmers and land managers, managers of wildlife sites and managers of visitor attractions. DRAFT h. Need to ensure that the PRoW network is accessible and welcoming, well signposted, way-marked, connected and maintained using materials and equipment appropriate in design and sustainably sourced. i. Improving the rural road network for its landscape quality, connectedness and safety in order to promote active travel and quiet countryside recreation is an important

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opportunity. j. Need to increase and enhance people’s understanding of and access opportunities to the AONB, its landscape and countryside practices and to provide coordinated support and information in a number of formats appropriate to their setting. k. Need to maximise coastal access opportunities through the newly defined England Coast Path National Trail and support the enhanced management of the coastal corridor. l. Need to promote exciting and engaging education and interpretation schemes for children and young people both in and out of the school context. m. The opportunity to promote the availability and use of safe non-car based countryside transport and recreation opportunities and seek integrated public transport initiatives. n. The opportunity to secure health and well-being benefits through diverse and inclusive social and green prescribing in the Kent Downs.

12.3 Access, enjoyment and understanding - aims

A landscape that provides:

1. Sustainable opportunities and facilities to enable everyone to safely and sustainably enjoy and understand the AONB countryside without detracting from it; where structural, perceptual and physical barriers to access are removed and minimised.

2. A legally defined, well maintained, connected and promoted Rights of Way and permissive path network that provides safe, welcoming, well designed connected and satisfying routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders where conflicts between rightful uses are minimised.

3. New, safe and attractive routes and connections between public rights of way and a highway network which is increasingly available and safe for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

4. Access where illegal or damaging recreational activities are actively controlled.

5. Special places, events, media and appropriate support available throughout the year for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about their environment, enjoy and benefit from the AONB landscape, know they are there and celebrate its diversity and richness.

6. Innovative and stimulating opportunities for all people to be involved artistically and culturally and to exercise and improve their health and well-being, in tranquil and inspiringDRAFT surroundings.

12.5 Access, enjoyment and understanding - principles

AEU1 Co-ordinated investment in making access more diverse and inclusive for recreation, access, education, and health and well-being across the Kent Downs AONB will be

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pursued.

AEU2 Investment to secure sustainable, high quality, low impact and easy access, multi- user routes, safer highways and high-quality public transport options from towns and growth areas to the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued.

AEU3 Diversions and stopping up of PRoWs will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that they will not have a detrimental impact on opportunities for access and quiet enjoyment of the Kent Downs AONB landscape and historic character.

AEU4 The sustainable and enhanced management and promotion of Public Rights of Way, permissive paths and open access sites will be pursued.

AEU5 Mechanisms will be supported to resolve conflicts between rightful users of Public Rights of Way. Where there are irreconcilable conflicts from legal but damaging activities, quiet recreation will be supported above other activities.

AEU6 Robust mechanisms to resist and overcome illegal use and poor maintenance which harm the opportunity to explore and enjoy the Kent Downs AONB will be pursued where design is in accordance with the Landscape Design Handbook.

AEU7 Improvements to the Rights of Way Network to overcome barriers provide and improve countryside access, health and well-being opportunities, including, connecting with NHS social prescribing, enhanced way-marking, signposting and maintenance, new routes and establishment of higher rights which conforms with Kent Downs AONB policies and design guidance, will be pursued. Support for investment in access from the new Environmental Land Management payments will be pursued.

AEU8 High standards of landscape and recreational management including the management of ‘over visiting’, provision of accessible visitor facilities, new accessible access opportunities and increased opportunities for learning and health enhancement, artistic and cultural expression through a coordinated strategy and programme of training, community support, events, guided walks, cycle rides and gateway routes and sites will be pursued.

AEU9 Initiatives for children, schools and youth groups which encourage interest in and learning about the AONB and reconnection with nature will be pursued.

AEU10 Support will be given to the North Downs Way and England Coast Path National Trails as the main promoted routes in the Kent Downs, the establishment of a North Downs Way multiuser route will be supported.

AEU11 A reduction in the need to travel by car will be supported through new and improved measures to provide integrated, attractive and affordable public transport and through promotingDRAFT and supporting safe active travel to and withing the Kent Downs. New business, community and other initiatives in support of the vision, aims and policies of the Management Plan will seek to relate to existing public transport and active travel links.

AEU12 Sustainable solutions to problems of rural traffic will be supported, particularly in rural settlements or where there is a conflict with landscape quality or walkers, cyclists and

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horse riders.

AEU13 A strategic approach to the use of road signage, furniture, design and maintenance that conserves and enhances the local character and distinctiveness and encourages non-motorised access will be pursued through the adoption and implementation of the Kent Downs AONB Rural Streets and Lanes Design Handbook.

AEU 14 Proposals which detract from the amenity and enjoyment of users of the Public Rights of Way network will be resisted.

DRAFT

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Glossary Access for All Provision of access opportunities for all people listed in the Equalities Act, 2010 Affordable Housing Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Eligibility is determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. Affordable housing should include provisions to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households Agri-environment A mechanism by which landowners and other individuals and bodies responsible for land management can be incentivised to manage their land in a manner sympathetic to the environment Ancient Tree Ancient trees are those which have reached a great age in comparison with others of the same species. A birch tree could be considered as ancient at 150 years old, for example, but an oak tree would not be thought of as ancient until it’s at least 400 years old.

Ancient Woodland Woodland that has been in existence continuously since 1600 or earlier, based on its indicator flora or mapping data AONB – An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of internationally important landscape quality which has statutory protection in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of its landscape. Anaerobic Digestion A collection of processes by which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen Aquifer Underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted Balanced Communities A community with a range of people from different ages, social and economic backgrounds. Balanced communities are often a result of the provision of a good mix of housing types and tenures Biodiversity – Degree of variation of life forms within a given species or ecosystem. Biodiversity net gain An approach which, in the context of new development, aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand. The Kent Downs AONB Management Plan refers to ‘intended’ biodiversity net gain because achieving a net gain is not yet proven. Biodiversity 2020 – a biodiversity strategy for England. Bridleway A Public Right of Way that may be used for horse riding, walking or cycling. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and horses Category V Protected Landscape/ Seascape A protected area classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, culturalDRAFT and scenic value: and where safeguarding the integrity of this interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and its associated nature conservation and other values.

Chalara fraxinea Ash dieback fungus now referred to as Hymenoscyphus fraxinea

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Coastal Defence Policy To reduce the risk to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding and coastal erosion by encouraging the provision of technically, environmentally and economically sound and sustainable defence measures. Common Agricultural Policy – the agricultural policy of the EU. Community Infrastructure Levy A levy that local authorities can choose to charge on new developments in their area. The money can be used to support development by funding infrastructure that the council, local community and neighbourhoods want. Community Led Plans A plan produced by the local community setting out their aspirations for the future of their town or village. A range of plans exist to deal with different aspects of community life. Community Strategies A community strategy sets out a strategic vision for a particular area such as a District, Borough or County Council. The community strategy is a partnership document and guides the work and allocation of resources of any organisation working in that area. The strategy will promote a long-term vision for improving the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of an area Conservation Area Designated for their special architectural and historic interest and identified to improve their management within the planning system. Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) - the Act provides for public access on foot to certain types of land, amends the law relating to public rights of way, increases measures for the management and protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and strengthens wildlife enforcement legislation, and provides for better management of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) including the preparation and review of management plans. Cultural Heritage The evidence for how people used to live – both physical features such as archaeological sites and finds, buildings, fields and settlements, and intangibles such as folk traditions and work by creative people Dark Night Skies Areas with little or no light pollution where you can see many stars on a clear night Ecosystem Services The services provided by the natural environment that benefit people Environmental Stewardship An agri-environment scheme that provides funding to farmers and other land managers to deliver effective environmental management on land European Landscape Convention – the European Landscape Convention (ELC) is the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape. Created by the Council of Europe, the convention promotes landscape protection, management and planning, and European co-operation on landscape issues. Farmland Birds ‘Farmland birds’ refers to all 19 farmland bird species used for the Defra Farmland Bird Index. Fine Tree A fineDRAFT or notable tree refers to a tree which is judged significant locally, this may be a tree with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or displaying the characteristics required for a TPO. It may be special in some other way, it could have cultural resonance, contribute to a fine view or be particularly large compared with the trees around it. Fine or notable trees are often but not always mature.

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Geodiversity The variety of the rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and landscapes which gives us locally distinctive building materials, evidence of the Earth’s story to investigate and many other resources Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure (GI) is a network of high quality green and blue spaces and other environmental features. It needs to be planned and delivered at all spatial scales from national to neighbourhood levels. The greatest benefits will be gained when it is designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits (ecosystem services) for local communities. Heritage at Risk Historic England register of important designated sites and buildings that are most at risk of being damaged or lost. Heritage Crime Criminal damage to heritage, such as stealing lead from churches, unauthorised changes to listed buildings or digging for treasure on scheduled monuments. Heritage Coast – stretches of undeveloped coast defined for their outstanding scenic value where resolution of conflicts is needed between recreation, conservation, access and agriculture. Higher Level Stewardship Ten-year agreements aimed at delivering significant environmental benefits in priority areas Hymenoscyphus fraxinea Ash Dieback fungus Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Coordination of the different policies and activities affecting the coastal zone, based on an ecosystems approach Landscape – an area perceived by people whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. Landscape capacity is the extent to which an area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type. Landscape Character Assessment Identifies the important assets and characteristics of the different landscape types and a framework for understanding the impacts of change upon this character Landscape Character Type (LCT) – Distinct types of landscape which are generic in character in that they may occur in different parts of the country, but wherever they are they share broadly similar combinations of geology, topography, drainage patterns, vegetation and historical land use and settlement pattern. Listed Buildings a building of notable architectural or historic interest listed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport under the Planning Act 1990. These are in one of three categories and each marks and celebrates a building's special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under additional considerations in the planning system Local Enterprise Partnerships A partnership between local authorities and businesses set up to determineDRAFT local economic investment priorities, in order to support and sustain economic growth and create jobs within their local area Local Plan The plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community

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Local Nature Partnership Established by the Natural Environment White Paper, Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) are partnerships of a broad range of local organisations, businesses and people who aim to help bring about improvements in their local natural environment. Marine Conservation Zone Protected areas being established to conserve nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology Major Development What constitutes major development within an AONB will depend on its nature, scale and setting and whether it could have a significant adverse impact on the natural beauty of the designated area. This differs from the definition of major development as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and is particularly relevant for the consideration of proposals under national planning policy, as set out in the NPPF, where it is stated that permission for major development in AONBs should be refused other than in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest. Notable Tree. A fine or notable tree refers to a tree which is judged significant locally, this may be a tree with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or displaying the characteristics required for a TPO. It may be special in some other way, it could have cultural resonance, contribute to a fine view or be particularly large compared with the trees around it. Fine or notable trees are often but not always mature. Neighbourhood Plan A plan that can set out where development will go and what development could look like in a particular area. The production of a Plan will be led by Parish or Town Councils but it needs the involvement of the local community and to be in conformity with the Local Plan Open Access also known as access land. Part I of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) grants a general right of public access to ‘access land’ for the purposes of open-air recreation. National Character Areas - National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geo-diversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. National Nature Reserve (NNR) – sites declared by Natural England as key places for wildlife and natural features in England. They were established to protect the most significant areas of habitat and of geological formations. NNRs are managed on behalf of the nation, many by Natural England themselves, but also by non-governmental organisations, including the members of The Wildlife Trusts partnership, the National Trust, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites Ancient Woodland that has been replanted with forestry plantations (often, but not always, conifers) ‘Priority Species’ in the context of this Plan refers to Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species and also speciesDRAFT on the IUCN Red List Public Rights of Way – public footpaths, bridleways and cycleways along which the public has the right to travel.

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Publics – refers to a diversity of groups rather than suggesting a homogenous ‘general public’. Regionally Important Geological Site – locally important geological and geomorphological sites of value. River Basin Management Plans The River Basin Management Plans describe the river basin district, and the pressures that the water environment faces. It shows what this means for the current state of the water environment in the river basin district, and what actions will be taken to address the pressures Sandford Principle Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment, then conversation interest should take priority Scarp (also escarpment) Steep slope in the Kent Downs the south facing Chalk scarp is a key character of the AONB landscape and an important target for designation Seascape - in planning and land use terms this is the complex interrelationship between the landforms, coast and sea in a landscape setting. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) – areas of international nature conservation interest designated under the EU Habitats regulations which have been transferred to the UK legal framework following EU exit. Sense of Place A characteristic or distinctiveness that places have that creates a feeling or perception by people. Can lead to human attachment and belonging Shoreline Management Planning Large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and helps reduce these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environments. Coastal processes include tidal patterns, wave height, wave direction and the movement of beach and seabed materials Sites of Special Scientific Interest – areas designated by Natural England as being of special interest and national importance by reason of their flora, fauna or geology. Strategic Environmental Assessment – SEA is a process to ensure that significant environmental effects arising from policies, plans and programmes are identified, assessed and mitigated for. Veteran Tree a veteran tree can be any age, but it is a tree which shows ancient tree characteristics Water Framework Directive European Union legislation (2000/60/EC) – establishing a framework for European Community action in the field of water policy. This sets targets for member statesDRAFT to achieve good status of all water bodies

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